UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c1/80/12 First Committee, 12th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session — First Committee — 21 October 2025 Language: en Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record. --- GA 1st Committee · Chair [0:01]: The 12th meeting of the Disarmament and International Security committee of the 80th session of the General assembly is called to order. Distinguished delegates, the Committee will now continue its thematic discussion under the cluster of nuclear weapons. Delegations wishing to exercise their right of reply will be able to do so once the Committee exhausts the list of speakers for the cluster. Before I open the floor, I would like to remind all delegations that the time limit for statements during the thematic segment is three minutes when speaking in the national capacity and four minutes for statements on behalf of several delegations. The first speaker on the list of speakers is the distinguished representative of Slovenia. Slovenia [0:58]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Slovenia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to offer the following remarks in its national capacity. Mr. Chairman, preventing any use of nuclear weapons must remain our highest priority. In this regard, I would like to recall the joint statement of the leaders of of the five nuclear weapons states on preventing nuclear war and avoiding arms races. From January 2022, Slovenia continues to view the NPT as the cornerstone of international peace and security. Its pillars, non proliferation disarmament and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy are as vital today as ever. Slovenia calls on all state parties to work together towards a meaningful outcome of the 2026 Review Conference. Moreover, Mr. Chairman, Slovenia strongly supports the entry into force of the CTBT and urges the remaining Annex 2 states to ratify it without delay. Likewise, negotiations on the verifiable Fissile material Cutoff Treaty should begin without further postponement. We encourage nuclear weapons states to show leadership through transparency and restraint. We welcome continued dialogue on strategic stability and we would value steps such as maintaining moratorium on fissile material production by China as well as Russia's return to full implementation of the new START Treaty, constructive engagement on a successor framework and re ratification of the CTBT. Mr. Chairman, Slovenia remains concerned with the scope and transparency of Iran's nuclear program, especially the stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Slovenia has called out Iran's unacceptable disregard for its non proliferation obligations and it has also called out that nuclear facilities should never be attacked. The only viable path is a peaceful solution with the GCPOA regime and objectives meaningfully restored. We are equally concerned by the trajectory of DPRK nuclear program. The DPRK must comply with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions with the view of abandoning its nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile program. Until then, we will keep calling on all states to fully and effectively implement the sanctions in force. To conclude, Slovenia calls for responsible action to preserve and strengthen the global arms control, disarmament and non proliferation architecture and to pursue verifiable, balanced and irreversible progress toward nuclear disarmament. I thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [3:51]: I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia for her statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan [4:01]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Kyrgyz Republic remains firmly committed to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. We believe that their complete, irreversible and verifiable elimination is the only true guarantee against their use. Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to strengthening and expanding nuclear weapon free zones which are effective tools to preventing proliferation. As a key initiator and depositary of the Treaty on a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in Central Asia, we will continue to promote disarmament and non proliferation efforts. We also support similar initiatives in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle east and other regions and believe such initiatives should continue to be adopted by consensus. We strongly support international efforts toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons. We call on states that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the CTBT so it can finally enter into force. Nuclear testing must remain a thing of the past. Recently, Kyrgyzstan signed the tpnw reaffirming our unwavering commitment to disarmament, non proliferation and international security. We underlined the central role of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as We approach the 2026 NPT Review Conference under the chairmanship of Vietnam. Kyrgyzstan calls on all state parties to work constructively to strengthen transparency, verification and cooperation. Let us make this conference a milestone for real progress. Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to addressing the humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons. Our region knows too well the devastating legacy of nuclear testing. At the semipalatine side, we stand in solidarity with affected countries and support efforts to assist victims and restore the environment. In this regard, we welcome the work and initiatives of Kazakhstan and Kiribati. We also support strengthening the physical protection of nuclear materials and improving the legal framework for their safety safe use. Our ratification of the Additional protocol to the IAEA's safeguards agreement demonstrates our transparency and readiness for cooperation. Mr. Chair, the Kyrgyz Republic believes that progress in nuclear disarmament can be achieved through multilateral, transparent and inclusive processes. We call all states to show the political will needed to achieve our shared goal, a world free of nuclear weapons. I thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [6:45]: I thank the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan for his statement. Give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece. Greece [6:55]: Thank you. Greece aligns with the statement delivered by the eu, contributing with the following in its national capacity the preservation and universalization of the npt a balanced approach regarding its three pillars and a sincere dialogue between nuclear and non nuclear states must be at the center of our deliberations during the upcoming 11th review conference. Unfortunately, the 11th review cycle is taking place amidst a deteriorating global security environment and an alarming erosion of international disarmament and non proliferation regime. Greece shares the goal of a more secure world without nuclear weapons but but the process should be pursued through a step by step approach. The complex security environment, especially in Europe, underscores the importance of extending nuclear deterrence as reinforced by NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements as a means to deter aggression. We commend the work of the Agency and we support its efforts towards the universalization of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements together with Additional Protocol as the current verification standard under the npt. Having in mind an overdue need for updates due to rapid technological progress, we commend the courageous work of the Agency in maintaining a continuous presence in Ukraine under challenging conditions. Grace strongly supports the Agency's work in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, an issue we had the opportunity to discuss in depth with Director General Grossi during his visit to Athens last May. Greece follows closely international developments on small modular reactors and and other new technologies, recognizing their potential contribution to future energy systems while underlying that the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and safeguards must apply. We urge all parties to contribute engaging in dialogue in good faith towards concluding a successful agreement to new start Mr. Chair, Greece supports the establishment of nuclear free zones around the world as well as the establishment of a Middle east zone zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMD and their delivery systems. My country is concerned by the nonproliferation challenges relating to the Iranian nuclear program and that is Iran to comply with its legally biding nuclear safeguards obligations under the npt, Greece is committing to upholding the sanctions regime on the DPRK as an essential tool to constrain its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs who are ready to work with all partners toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Lastly, Greece remains fully committed to supporting the effective and universal implementation of Resolution 1540. In this, in its capacity as Vice Chair, Greece is organizing the coming month a national workshop on maritime border security enforcement within the context of implementation of Resolution 1540. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [9:49]: I thank the distinguished representative of Otris for his statement. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Togo. Togo [10:00]: Monsieur le president. Mr. Chairman, the delegation of Togo aligns itself with the statement of the African Group and the Unaligned movement would like to make the following Comments in our national capacity, total and irreversible nuclear disarmament remains a main goal in which the international community should focus its efforts. Because only a world free of nuclear weapons is a guarantee against their use and will ensure peace and security for all. Almost eight decades since the creation of the United nations, it is unfortunate that humankind continues to live under the threat of nuclear weapons. The problem is not the lack of legal instruments, but rather the lack of political will of certain actors to translate their commitments into actions. Togo urges on this point all states, especially those who have nuclear weapons, to renew their commitments towards the treaty towards the non proliferation Treaty, the NPT, which is a cornerstone of the international disarmament and non proliferation regime. Respective obligations in Article 6 regarding to the end of the arms race and complete disarmament. They remain an unavoidable requirement. My delegation deplores the repeated failures of the last review conferences of the npt. These failures should not lead us to seek formal consensuses, but rather real commitments capable of relaunching the collective dynamic terms for true disarmament. Now it's important to strengthen trust through dialogue. TOGO also hails initiatives aimed at reducing nuclear risk, strengthening transparency and trust among states. However, these measures will not substitute the ultimate goal that is the ultimate the total elimination of nuclear weapons. The Togo delegation continues to be concerned by doctrines based on nuclear deterrence. Contrary to the spirit in the letter of the npt. These practices undermine the non proliferation regime and compromise collective security. Furthermore, TOGO reaffirms the enablement of right of each state for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in conformity with the npt. And we hail on this point the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA and we welcome the fruitful cooperation that we have with the Agency. To conclude, Togo reiterates IS's determination to contribute concern instructively to the work of this Committee in the spirit of the UN Charter in order to preserve humankind from the scourge of nuclear war and to build a more secure and more just world. Thank you very much. GA 1st Committee · Chair [12:39]: I thank the distinguished representative of Togo for his statement. I give now the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine. Ukraine [12:47]: Mr. Chair, Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. We would also like to make additional remarks in our national capacity. We stress the need for concrete progress towards the pursuit of global nuclear disarmament, especially through the strict full and universal implementation of all NPT obligations and commitments, as well as the overall reduction in the global nuclear weapons stockpiles. Ukraine believes that the CTBT remains one of the key legal elements of the global security architecture in the field of nuclear disarmament and non proliferation. We call upon all states that have not yet done so, in particular the remaining Annex 2 states, to sign and ratify the CTPT without any preconditions or further delay. Ukraine reiterates its support for the early commencement and conclusion of negotiations on the FMCT Treaty within the Conference on Disarmament. Ukraine firmly believes that nuclear disarmament verification is indispensable for advancing the goal of nuclear disarmament. We further support conference steps on nuclear risk reduction and measures to enhance transparency and accountability. Mr. Chair, Ukraine strongly condemns the nuclear and ballistic missile tests conducted by the dprk. We urge Pyongyang to fully comply with its obligations under multiple UN Security Council resolutions to refrain from testing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. We also call on the DPRK to immediately return to compliance with the NPT and the I IAA Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement, as well as assign and ratify additional Protocol there too, as well as the CTBT. Mr. Chair, we cannot ignore Russia's withdrawal from the CTBT, its announced withdrawal fortification from the CTBT, its announced deployment of nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, as well as its decision to suspend participation in the New START Treaty. Such actions pose a major threat to global disarmament efforts. Unfortunately, today's reality demonstrates that nuclear arsenals are increasingly being used as instruments of coercion and intimidation. Such threats erode the core balance established by the npt. In this regard, we are compelled to note that the current security environment is defined by Russian aggression, nuclear threats and the seizure of Ukrainian nuclear facilities. Ukraine reaffirms that the return was temporarily occupied by Russia. Zaporizhzhia NPP to further full Ukrainian control is the only way to restore nuclear safety and stability. Only the Ukrainian regulator and operator can ensure an appropriate level of nuclear safety at the station in accordance with international standards and IA guarantees. We categorically reject any attempts by Moscow to question this fact. They are legally null and void. We call on the international community to intensify pressure on Russia to ensure the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian military and other personnel from the Zaporizhzhia NPP and the return of the plant to Ukraine's full control. Thank you. Mr. Chair. Chair [15:41]: Thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine for his statement. Give now the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada. Canada [15:50]: Chair. In August, we commemorated the 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, solemnly remembering the horrific devastation and loss of life life 80 years later, nuclear weapons remain an existential threat to all of humanity. Despite decades of collective commitments, including through vital treaties and agreements, progress on nuclear disarmament has stalled and may indeed be reversing. Canada urges this Committee to recommit to real, measurable progress. Russia's continued reliance on nuclear threats and its suspension of key arms control obligations undermines global security and the very norms this Committee exists to uphold. Russia's willingness to enable Iran's nuclear non compliance and shield the DPRK from accountability sends a dangerous signal that commitments under the NPT and IAEA safeguards can be bent or ignored for political convenience. Canada calls on Russia to return to compliance with its international commitments, including the full implementation of the New START Treaty. And we call on both parties to that treaty to enter into negotiations for a successor agreement as soon as possible. China continues to opaquely expand its nuclear arsenal and cites its no first use policy as a justification to avoid scrutiny. We call on China to demonstrate needed transparency regarding its nuclear arsenal and doctrine and to engage in nuclear arms control, disarmament and risk reduction talks. I will now conclude my remarks in Canada's other official language. Mr. Chairman, as we approach the NPT review conference next year, we need to collectively demonstrate the leadership and political will which is necessary to maintain confidence in the treaty. Canada's priorities for the upcoming conference are to safeguard the integrity of the NPT by fostering transparency, compliance and achievement of tangible progress. The treaty's obligations bind all nuclear weapon states equally, particularly through Article 6. And regardless of security circumstances, arsenal size or alliance commitments, progress on other elements of the step by step approach to nuclear disarmament remains stalled, such as negotiating a treaty on fissile material for nuclear weapons and entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. And both treaties require an influx of political will from states that possess nuclear weapons, and it is up to them to take the next critical steps. Mr. Chairman, amid today's challenging international security environment, it is imperative that we work together to identify and implement practical steps to advance nuclear arms control and disarmament. We also need to reject the idea according to which the current environment justifies a slowing down or the abandonment of our nuclear arms control and disarmament efforts. On the contrary, we need to redouble our efforts with the renewed sense of urgency. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [18:46]: I thank the distinguished representative of Canada for his statement. Give out the floor to the distinguished representative of Bulgaria. Bulgaria [18:57]: Thank you. Chair Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement delivered by the eu. I would like to add few remarks in my national capacity. Chair Bulgaria remains a State steadfast supporter of the npt, a cornerstone of the global nuclear non proliferation regime, a foundation for the nuclear disarmament and a framework for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Yet its regime is under serious pressure today. Russia, a nuclear weapons state under the npt, violated the security guarantees provided to Ukraine in the Budapest Memorandum and brutally invaded its neighbor causing serious nuclear security and safety risks. We strongly support the IAEA's efforts to monitor the situation in the illegally seized the Parisian nuclear power plant and in other nuclear weapon sites on nuclear on Ukraine territory. We call on Russia to immediately withdraw its armed forces from the ZNPP and from Ukraine's internationally recognized likewise. We urge the DPRK to abandon its nuclear and ballistic programs and engage in dialogue towards the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We also call on Iran to resume its full and meaningful cooperation with the IAEA in order to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and to return in good faith to the negotiation table. Mr. Chair, the NPT and its Article 6 remain the only viable path towards the achievement of a world free from nuclear weapons. If we are serious in our commitments to the achievement of that goal, we must spare no efforts to uphold the NPT's three pillars and to secure the successful outcome of its 11th review conference. Other practical measures can also be undertaken in that regard. The CTBT complements the NPT and serves as a global confidence building measure. Yet its entry into force is still pending as an Annex 2 state. Bulgaria calls upon all states to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay. We also urge Russia to re ratify the CTBT and to strictly abide by its provisions. The immediate start of negotiations on an FMCT remain a top priority as well. In the same manner, we call for progress in the areas of nuclear disarmon verification, improving transparency and accountability and continued dialogue on nuclear risk reduction. The New START Treaty has also contributed significantly to the implementation of Article 6 of the NPT. As the treaty expires next year, it is affecting paramount importance that the successor agreement is negotiated. We urge China to engage in the future arms control dialogue. I thank you, Mr. Chair. GA 1st Committee · Chair [21:55]: I thank the distinguished representative of Bulgaria. I give now the floor to the distinguished representative of Yugu Guay. Uruguay [22:09]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My delegation lines us up with a statement made by South Africa on behalf of the State's parties of the TPNW like to start by recalling the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years ago, something that left a deep trace in history we recall the victims of these tragic events as well as the victims of nuclear tests throughout history. Uruguay expresses a steep concern regarding the permanent risk of possession and modernization of nuclear weapons, as well as disastrous humanitarian environmental consequences derived from their use. Currently, states involved are investing in the modernization of nuclear arsenals and their delivery systems such as bombers, missiles and submarines. It is estimated that in 2024 approximately $100 billion were spent on this. My country continues to defend the principles of complementarity among the existing disarmament treaties at the regional and international level. Along these lines, recall the Special Declaration on Nuclear Disarmament of the Community of Latin American Caribbean state Selak of 2023 that reaffirms the complementarity between the TPNW, the NPT and the Tlateloco Treaty as mechanisms to guarantee the effective and transparent elimination of nuclear weapons. In particular, regarding this treaty and as a demonstration of our commitment to the Tlatelco Treaty which was the first nuclear weapons for free zone, we have presented the candidature of Ambassador Juan Carlos Jojeda Villon for the post of Secretary General of Opanao. We hope that States possessors of nuclear weapons assume their responsibilities and chart the path towards disarmament and the elimination of these means of massive destruction in a transparent, verifiable, irreversible way within established time frames. This is why we reiterate that commitment international commitments assumed under Article 6 of the NPT must be fulfilled unequivocally and without delay. The Review Conference of MPT will be a crucial opportunity to revitalize the regime of non proliferation, strengthen multilateralism arms control, warding off a greater risk of nuclear conflict in the face of increase of geopolitical tensions. Mr. Chairman, emerging technologies are transforming the nature of conflicts and raising new challenges. The vulnerabilities, additional vulnerabilities derived from cyber attacks increase the risks and uncertainties of the system of command and control of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and the autonomy operational systems of these weapons must be dealt with cautiously. We value the presentation the resolution proposed by Mexico regarding the possible risks associated with the integration of artificial intelligence and system of command, control and communication of nuclear weapons. Mr. Chairman, to conclude, we'd like to wish every successive Vietnam's capacity as Chairman of the Review Conference of the MPT and to South Africa in his role as Chair of the first Review Conference at tpmw. GA 1st Committee · Chair [25:09]: I thank the distinguished representative of Hugo Guay for her statement giving out the floor to Her Excellency Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain. Spain · Deputy PR [25:22]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. It's an honor for me to see you chairing this first. This first committee. You can count on the full support of my delegation. Spain aligns itself with a statement made by the European Union. I'd like to make a few comments on my national capacity during the current period of major geopolitical tensions. We'd like to make an appeal to all states to demonstrate responsibility so that the NPT review conference in 2026 becomes successful. Spain has embraced its universalization and full implementation of the treaty to move towards the goal of a world without nuclear weapons in a progressive and realistic way. On the basis of the commitments undertaken. We also support the implementation of practical and concrete measures to reduce risks and increase transportation, such as those proposed by the Stockholm Initiative of which Spain is a part of now. It's also important to negotiate a new treaty on reduction of strategic nuclear weapons, a continuation of new start. In the meantime, we call on the Russian Federation to return to the fulfillment of the treaty in a verifiable way. Mr. Chairman, Spain thanks and supports the central role played by the IAEA in guaranteeing non proliferation through its system of safeguards. This is why we defend the universalization of the safeguards agreements together with the Additional Protocol as an international standard of verification and transparency. The entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is essential. We support efforts of the Executive Secretary for its universalization and we observe with satisfaction the new ratifications and we urge states of annex too that have not done so to sign it and ratify it. Spain deeply regrets the revocation of the ratification mechanism by the Russian Federation. While we await the entry into force of the treaty, we defend the maintenance of the current moratorium. Also priorities in negotiation of a fissile. Fissile material cutoff treaty within the disarmament conference. Mr. Chairman, Spain is firmly committed to the diplomatic processes that allow for negotiated and peaceful resolution of the nuclear situation in Iran. We urge the People's Democratic Republic of Korea to comply with all the resolutions of the Security Council, to definitively stop its nuclear tests, missile tests, implement the Safeguards Agreement and resume dialogue on the path towards complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Thank you. Chair [28:17]: I thank Her Excellency the Deputy Representative of Spain for her statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland. Ireland [28:29]: Thank you, Chair. Ireland aligns with the statements of the European Union and the state parties to the tpnw. The Disarmament and non proliferation regime, including the NPT has delivered significant successes. It has limited further proliferation of these horrendous weapons. It has paved the way for collective progress on reducing arsenals. It has given us the means to exploit the atom's potential and safeguard its use through the impartiality and expertise of the iaea. And it has contributed to our collective security. It must be defended and strengthened. Today there are real, urgent and profound challenges that threaten these successes and the disarmament regime itself. A regime that needs to be sustained and strengthened through collective political will and diplomatic effort. We are confronted with Russia's unacceptable and reckless nuclear rhetoric and threats. Conflicts involving nuclear armed states, attacks on nuclear facilities with the potential for serious consequences and impacts on regional stability, challenges to multilateral bodies, continued and illegal missile testing by the dprk, the ending of successful agreements to limit arms, and pressing proliferation challenges. We must take action on each of these challenges. We cannot allow a slide into a world that assumes that more nuclear weapons mean greater security. That is not a path to stability or to lasting peace. Iran must engage internationally and with international organizations on its nuclear program in good faith and as a member of the NPNPT and the IAEA. Dialogue and diplomacy as the only path to sustainable solution must prevail. No less serious among these challenges and no less urgent is the failure to make progress on the fundamental promise of the npt. Disarmament. Disarmament is no latent obligation. It is integral, persistent and urgent. Indeed, counter to the narrative that we saw often here, moves towards disarmament have led to increased trust and international security. Chair a successful MPT review conference in 2026 is an important investment in upholding the disarmament and non proliferation regime. And so our collective security Ireland is ready to do our part working with those in our region and globally to advance multilateralism and and work for progress. We welcome the establishment of the Independent Scientific Panel on Nuclear War Effects whose chair we heard from this morning. We will focus on efforts to meaningfully reduce nuclear risk. We call for the upholding of the norm against nuclear testing and urgent progress on the CTBT's entry into force ahead of its 30th anniversary next year. And we will continue to advance the TPNW as a practical and a complementary means of achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [31:15]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden. Microphone for Sweden, please. Sweden [31:32]: Yeah. Do you hear me? Sorry. Thank you. Chair Sweden Associates of Science with a statement made by the European Union. The following remarks are made in national capacity. Today's numerous geopolitical conflicts trigger security concerns for many countries, including my own. Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine continues to pose a direct threat to nuclear safety and security. Sweden once again calls upon Russia to withdraw all armed forces and military equipment from Ukraine, including from the illegally seized Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Chair the NPT remains the cornerstone of global disarmament and non proliferation efforts. Sweden is committed to promoting its full implementation. To this end, Sweden works through the cross regional formats, the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament and the Initiative to Reduce the Risk for for Nuclear Conflict. To promote progress, the International Atomic Energy Agency plays a crucial role in preventing nuclear proliferation and promoting nuclear safety and security. It is vital that the Agency receives the necessary political and financial support to fulfill its mission. Sibudin would also like to highlight the importance of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty as co chair of the Article 14 process. Over the next two years, Sweden together with the Philippines will work to advance the universalization and entry into force of the Treaty. Chair Sweden urges Iran to reverse its escalating nuclear trajectory and grant the IAEA the verification authority necessary to ensure the accuracy and completeness of its declarations. The only way to put us on a path towards the restoration of confidence in the peaceful nature of his new nuclear program is for Iran to engage in a meaningful way and to address international concerns regarding its nuclear activities. Sweden renews its call on DPRK to abide by the resolutions of the Security Council, dismantle its nuclear weapons program and return to the NPT and its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. A first positive step would be for the DPRK to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty with without further delay. Chair Transparency, Reporting and accountability. Recognizing the special responsibilities of nuclear weapons, states are essential to decrease tensions and foster trust, ultimately improving conditions for disarmament. Sweden calls on all state parties to use the upcoming NPT Review Conference to meet the broad demand to advance work in this area of confidence building measures to the benefit of the amputee. I thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [34:21]: I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden. And now I give the floor to His Excellency Ambassador of Finland. Finland · Ambassador [34:31]: Thank you, Madam Chair. In addition to the statement by the European Union, let me make short remarks on behalf of Finland. A full version of the statement will be posted online. The global security landscape is marked by strong tensions. Nuclear disarmament is not easy, but in times like this it is needed most. Currently, the biggest obstacle to nuclear disarmament is the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine Russian nuclear threats undermine European and global security and impair efforts to advance nuclear disarmament. We call again on Russia to end its hostilities against Ukraine, to withdraw its troops, to respect Ukraine's sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, and to seize its irresponsible nuclear threats. Madam Chair, Nuclear disarmament is a gradual process and foremost under the responsibility of states possessing nuclear weapons. We are highly worried that Russia is developing new nuclear weapons and has announced deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus. This is not behavior of a responsible nuclear power. The New START Treaty is an important mechanism to advance this armament. We urge Russia to return to full implementation of the treaty. We follow with concern China's rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal. We encourage China to be more transparent, to increase trust and enhance stability. A world free of nuclear weapons requires strong political will and commitment. We would welcome nuclear arms discussions between the United States, Russia and China. Madam Chair, Nuclear proliferation is against the interest of all states. We must not allow further states to possess nuclear weapons. It should be our priority to uphold the Treaty on the non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We must take concrete steps to implement all three pillars of the NPT and promote its universalization. The next NPT review conference in 2026 will be an important milestone. Finland is committed to achieving steps forward in nuclear disarmament, non proliferation and the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, for which I am also personally committed as forthcoming Chair designate for the Third Third Main Committee of the Review Conference. Reducing the risk of a nuclear conflict should be our common goal. Risk reduction helps close pathways to nuclear use, increases trust and advances nuclear disarmament. Finland shares the vision of a safer world free of nuclear weapons and we stand ready to do our part in this effort. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [37:29]: I thank His Excellency Ambassador of Finland for his statement. Now I give the floor to His Excellency, Distinguished representative of dprk. Democratic People's Republic of Korea [37:42]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair. 80 years ago, the world had witnessed an unprecedented tragedy of the first use of nuclear weapon against humanity. With a common desire of humanity to prevent responsibility repetition of the history of nuclear catastrophe, the international community put forth the building of a nuclear free world as its foremost task. Since then, it has made strenuous and active efforts for its implementation. Yet nuclear discernment still remains in name only and the trend of expanded nuclear armament reminiscent of the Cold War era becomes undisclosed. Due to continued nuclear arms buildup and nuclear proliferation of their specific forces who set it as their state policy to secure peace through strength and absolute military supremacy. Recently, the US Made public the plan of its largest ever Military expenditure giving spurs to the expansion and advanced modernization of the nuclear armed forces. Meanwhile, it forcibly pushes ahead with nuclear proliferation to its alliance such as transfer of nuclear submarine technology through Aukus, nuclear sharing with NATO, framing up of nuclear operations guidelines with IRK and conclusion of guidelines of extended deterioration with Japan. Against this backdrop, the US has announced the establishment of a new missile defense system to be followed by forward deployment, deployment of nuclear weapons and expanded deployment of medium range missiles. If the US continues such perilous acts, it will obviously result in seriously undermining the strategic balance of security and accelerating arms race on a global scale. Madam Chair, the main culprits who pose serious threat to the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and beyond while pursuing reckless expansion of military expenditure and radical modernization of nuclear forces are questioning the righteous possession of war deterrent by a sovereign state. It can't but be an extreme manifestation of brazen faced acts and a mockery of international justice. It is a legitimate self defense choice of the DPRK as a sovereign state to possess nuclear deterrent of justice to defend itself when it is exposed to constant threat of the use of nuclear weapons by the US as the most dangerous nuclear war power. Comrade Kim Jong Un, President of the State affairs of the dprk said that only the peace that can be defended by the strength great enough to subdue and contain the enemy is the reliable, secure and durable peace. And herein lies a sure guarantee for the peace and future of the DPRK and its people as a responsible nuclear weapons state. The DPRK opposes all sorts of war, including nuclear war and will discharge its implementation important mission and responsibility. GA 1st Committee · Chair [40:44]: I thank the distinguished representative of DPRK for his statement. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan. Jordan [40:56]: Madam Chair, first and foremost, we wish to align ourselves with the statement delivered by the Arab Group as well as a statement delivered by the Nar Land movement and I wish my national capacity to deliver the following remarks. First and foremost, Jordan wishes to reaffirm our steadfast support for the international led efforts for complete disarmament of nuclear weapons and the enhancement of those initiatives which bring us towards a nuclear weapons free world insofar as this will allow for resources in the area of sustainable development to be used instead of dedicating them for the purposes of an arms race. Second, we are concerned by the fact that a number of nuclear weapons states continue to enhance their nuclear arsenals as part of the deterrence doctrine. We believe a complete disarmament is the only guarantee from the non use of these weapons in the future. Likewise, we are concerned by the fact that AI techniques can be used for nuclear weapons arsenals and we wish to reiterate the importance of establish of implementing resolutions that guarantee safety and security for people. We are also unfortunately we have not made progress when it comes to the implementation of the NPT and we are concerned by the failure of the last two disarmament conferences on disarmament which did not result in a declaration which undermines the disarmament regimental. Fourth Jordan reaffirms the importance of balanced dialogue and constructive dialogue within this Committee in order to help shore up international efforts towards nuclear disarmament insofar as this will help to ensure the success of the next conference on disarmament to be held in 2026. We call upon the five nuclear weapons states to comply with their obligations in accord in our courts with Article 6 of the NPT. We call upon them to establish a timeline to fulfill their disarmament obligations and we reiterate the fact that the credibility of the NPT is under is based on the balance of these three pillars and the universalization of the treaty. Fifth, Jordan reaffirms that achieving nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle east is is a shared responsibility incumbent upon the international community. The fact that Israel is a state party to the NPT is important and Israel refuses to bring its nuclear facilities under the safeguards agreement of the IAEA and we reaffirm the importance of implementation of the 1985 resolution on nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle east and we call for urgent practical measures to be adapted to implement the resolution. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [43:53]: I thank the distinguished representative of Jordan. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt. Egypt [44:01]: Madam Chairperson, Egypt aligns itself with an unaligned movement and the Arab and African groups and adds the following remarks. The existential threat posed by nuclear weapons and their possession by a few States is undisputable. There is no logic more compelling than the total elimination of nuclear weapons as only guarantee against their proliferation use or threat of use, not deterrence nor the so called strategic stability. Five decades after SSOD1, with nuclear disarmament as its highest priority, Egypt remains concerned with lack of progress in implementing obligations and commitments, primarily Article 6 of the NPT and with the erosion of existing norms and principles in the context of geopolitical tensions and uncertainty as well as the quantitative and qualitative development of nuclear arsenals. The npt, the coroner's story of nuclear disarmament and non proliferation is at crossroads. A meaningful outcome at the 11th review conference under the leadership of Vietnam is indispensable. We invite the Nuclear Weapon States to remain conscious of the bigger picture and what is truly at stake in case of failure on the road to the ref con. We commend recent development signals by President Trump and President Putin and we aspire that the spirit of Alaska brings new starts and the wider strategic arms control landscape back to life. Madam Chairperson, we are alarmed by the risks of integrating artificial intelligence into the aspect of into into any aspect of the life cycle of nuclear weapons. Confidence building and risk reduction measures such as no first use and negative security assurances contribute positively however, they are not a substitute to nuclear disarmament. Egypt supports accountability and transparency by Nuclear Weapons Stability States through reporting on the implementation of their obligations under Article 6 under Main Committee 1 of the Review Conference on behalf of the New Agenda Coalition, Egypt tabled the annual resolution titled Towards a Nuclear Weapon Free World Accelerating implementation of Nuclear Disarmament Commitments. Egypt will support every proposal that genuinely advocate for a nuclear weapon free world and is faithful to existing obligations and commitments. For the mature person, the lack of implementation of the 1995 resolution on the Middle east which allowed the indefinite extent of the NPT as well as the countless resolutions by the Security Council and GA is a major setback to the disarmament and non proliferation regime. We call upon the three co sponsors of the resolution to undertake the responsibilities towards the implementation. There is every good reason to support a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle east in this regard. We believe that the relevant annual United Nations Conference is an inclusive, non politicized and consensus based process to negotiate a legally binding instrument based on arrangements freely arrived at by the region. At its previous five sessions it witnessed incremental procedural and substantive progress. We hope that all the invited members and observers participate in the upcoming six session. We count on the continued support to the resolutions that Egypt tables annually on the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle east and the annual Arab Group resolution on the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle least. I thank you Madam Chairperson. GA 1st Committee · Chair [47:02]: I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt for his statement and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia. Zambia [47:11]: Thank you Madam Chair. Zambia welcomes this opportunity to contribute to the discussion on nuclear disarmament and non glorification. We align ourselves with the statements delivered on behalf of the African Group and the Non Alignment Movement and we wish to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Madam Chair, Zambia remains deeply concerned that despite the long standing global commitments, progress towards nuclear disarmament continues to lag behind expectations. This slow pace has generated growing frustrations among the non Nuclear Weapon States. We therefore reiterate the call for the full and effective implementation of Article 4 of non proliferation Treaty and the universalization of the prohibition of nuclear weapons. The catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of the use of nuclear weapons demand that the global the goal of nuclear weapons free world becomes a reality, not a distance. Aspiration Madam Chair Zambia firmly believes that militarism remains the cornerstone of disarmament and international security. We urge Nuclear Weapon States to adopt risk reduction measures, enhance transparency and implement victim assistance and environmental remediation. We further reiterate the call for early entry into force of the CTBT and the progress towards the treaty banning the production of fossil materials. Strengthening the Nuclear weapons free zone, including the Pelindawa Treaty in Africa is equally vital. In conclusion, Zambia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons, to inclusive and transparent militarism and to respond to the responsible use of science and technology for peace purposes. The commitments are not only legal obligation but moral imperative. I thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [49:29]: I thank the distinguished representative of Zambia for her statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines. Philippines [49:38]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The Philippines aligns itself with the statements delivered by Malaysia on behalf of ASEAN and by Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. The persistence of nuclear weapons underscores the widening gap between disarmament commitments and real progress. Global tensions are rising, doctrines are hardening and nuclear arsenals are being modernized all while the guardrails of arms control erode. This gap must be bridged through dialogue, transparency and verifiable action. In this environment, the NPT remains the cornerstone of the global disarmament and non proliferation regime. But its integrity depends on the full implementation of all three pillars, particularly Article 6 call on nuclear weapon States to accelerate the implementation of their obligations under the 64 point action plan. Citing adverse security conditions cannot justify delay. To address these challenges, we call for a recommitment to the principles of transparency, accountability and mutual trust. We urge all States to engage constructively in the lead up to the 2026 review conference with a focus on practical verifiable steps that advance nuclear disarmament and non proliferation. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons complements the NPT by enforcing the norm against nuclear arms. With 99 countries now supporting it, the majority of States reject the legitimacy of these weapons. We urge all States to accede to the Treaty. Beyond these frameworks, three urgent measures demand immediate attention. First, the CTBT 2025 Article 14 Conference Co chaired by the Philippines and Sweden reiterated the call for the ratification of the eight remaining Annex 2 states. As UN Secretary General Guterres emphasized, we need renewed political will. Second, negotiations and official material cut off treatment treaty are long overdue. We call for their immediate commencement, which is a pragmatic step that narrows pathways to new arms races. Third, and equally pressing is the future of the New START treaty, the last remaining bilateral agreement limiting US and Russian nuclear arsenals. The treaty expires on February 6, 2026 and its expiration without the successor agreement would leave a dangerous gap in predictability and transparency. Recently, the Russian Federation proposed extending the treaty central limits for one year contingent upon reciprocal action by the United States. This proposal underscores the shared recognition of the risks associated with the treaty's expiration and the need for continued dialogue and commitment to arms control. The Philippines urges both the United States and the Russian Federation to engage in good faith dialogue to extend a new START Treaty or conclude a successor agreement before its expiration, thereby preserving verifiable limits on the strategic nuclear arms and reinforcing global security. Thank you, Madam Chair. GA 1st Committee · Chair [52:30]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq. Iraq [52:43]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Iraq reaffirms the fact that we align ourselves with the statement with the of the Non island movement as well as the statement of the Arab Group. And the full statement of our delegation will be available on the website of the Committee. Madam Chair, the NPT is not being implemented in a balanced way the three pillars of the NPT and this prevents us from making disarmament a reality and international efforts towards disarmament complete disarmament are being undermined and very much delayed. The past two NPT review conferences were failed and we wish to highlight two points. First and foremost, the matter of nuclear disarmament. This needs to remain a priority for the international community up until we achieve full elimination of nuclear weapons. There's a need to eliminate the use of nuclear weapons or the threat of use of nuclear weapons. Second, there is a need for implementation of Article 6 of the NPT. Nuclear weapons states have an obligation to comply with those obligations in accordance with the 2010 and 2015 disarmament conferences. There's a need to continue discussions to reach agreement on international binding instruments pertaining to nuclear weapons and the threat of use thereof. And this pertains both to nuclear weapons and non nuclear weapons states in accordance with the mpt. Fourth, there's a need to begin negotiations through the disarmament conference in order to reach agreement on an instrument to end fissile material production and for a treaty to be arrived and to establish a timeline for the elimination of nuclear weapons as well as to ensure universalization of the ctpt. The establishment of nuclear weapons free zones is a critical milestone to enhance disarmament and nuclear non proliferation. We wish to reaffirm the fact that there are negative repercussions which emanate from failure to implement the 1995 resolution on the establishment of nuclear weapons free zones. And we call for the establishment of such zones in accordance with the relevant resolutions. We welcome the fifth session on the establishment of a nuclear weapons free zone and zone free of other WMDs in the Middle East. And the sixth session, we hope will be a success. To conclude, we condemn these statements delivered by the Israeli entity related to the use of nuclear weapons against it Palestinian people. These threats reaffirm the urgent need to establish a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East. And this requires what the Israeli entity adhere to the NPT and bring its facilities under the safe the IAEA safeguards system. Thank you. Chair [55:42]: I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway. Norway [55:49]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Further to our general statement, we will focus on five additional issues. First, high levels of tension and instability commands attention towards risk reduction. This is not instead of disarmament, it helps to ensure that there is future in which to disarm. Dialogue is essential. All nuclear armed states must engage. The three with the largest arsenal bear particular responsibility. We urge Russia and China to accept the US invitation to strategic dialogue without preconditions. We also call on all states to adhere the Hague Code of Conduct. We were encouraged to see China notifying its ICBM launch in the Pacific last year and hope to see soon China among the signatories. Second, it is high time we launched the FMC negotiations. Ending fissile material production for nuclear weapons would ease arms, raise pressures, build confidence, support non proliferation and ultimately disarmament. Especially if existing stocks are included. Meanwhile, all nuclear armed states should declare voluntary moratoria on such production. Third, an effective ban on nuclear tests is vital to irreversible disarmament and non proliferation. We urge all remaining Annex 2 states to promptly ratify the CTBT. Fourth, three interrelated principles are recognized as essential for successful nuclear transparency, verification and irreversibility. Advancing them builds confidence, engages key actors and supports future negotiations. The work does not replace disarmament, it enables it. By laying practical foundation for the steps ahead, we are advancing the work on verification with the resolution we have tabled together with Brazil. Irreversibility remains the least explored. Together with the UK, we launched an initiative at the 10th NPT Review Conference to examine it more closely and we invite all of you to join. Fifth, the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 remains a key non proliferation instrument with the IAEA verifying that nuclear materials are not diverted for weapon use. We call for universal adherence to the amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and full implementation of the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Finally, Chair, I end on a more congratulatory note to us all on the 25th anniversary of the Resolution 1325 and encourage the use of women, peace and security lens in all our work in this committee. I thank you, Madam Chair. GA 1st Committee · Chair [58:44]: I thank the distinguished representative of Norway for his statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil. Brazil [58:55]: Thank you, Chair. Nuclear disarmament is a priority for the vast majority of UN member states. It is the goal that underpinned the indefinite extension of the npt. Yet for over a decade now, it is the cluster on which we have seen the least progress. Non proliferation efforts have been mostly successful and cooperation on peaceful users has evolved. There's admin, however, has gone into reverse. We have seen both quantitative and qualitative enhancement in nuclear arsenals by all those in possession of nuclear weapons. Investments in nuclear weapons send a negative message that retaining these weapons is useful, that acquiring them should be an option not to be discarded. States in possession of nuclear weapons should not indulge themselves in the belief that disarmament and non proliferation are separate matters. We are alarmed by the increased focus on nuclear sharing arrangements. These arrangements, be they old or new, contradict the fundamental principles of the npt. There is a pressing need to halt this dangerous erosion of the nuclear disarmament and no proliferation regime through concrete actions. In this spirit, Brazil is proposing two resolutions in the current cluster. The establishment of an of a group of scientific and technical experts on nuclear disarm verification, together with Norway and nuclear weapon free Southern hemisphere and adjacent areas with Indonesia, New Zealand and South Africa, with different approaches, both contribute to advancing the common goal of complete, verifiable and irreversible nuclear disarmament. The GSTE aims to create a platform for scientific and exchange and capacity building that has the potential to foster trust. Trust and to provide the basis for the development in a multilateral setting of technical tools that could underpin future verification regimes. The inclusive nature of the groups allows for all interested states to take part in this Key area for disarmament Non nuclear weapons States should not be fated to wait for the willingness of nuclear weapons States in order to act on matters related to nuclear disarmament. In the same vein, the draft resolution on Nuclear Weapon free Southern Hemisphere and adjacent areas calls for greater progress towards the total elimination of all nuclear weapons and reaffirms the goal of strengthening Nuclear weapon free zones as a key contribution to the nuclear non proliferation regime, a subject we hope will be further examined by the Group of Qualified Experts on Nuclear Weapon Free Zones meeting later this year. Chair we reiterate that the NPT was was never meant to justify the indefinite possession of nuclear weapons. As we Prepare for the 2026 Revcon, we must halt the continuous erosion of NPT's integrity. Nuclear weapons must follow through their obligations and commitments, especially on the Article 6. I thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:01:49]: I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Paraguay. Paraguay [1:02:02]: Thank you, Madam Vice Chair Paraguay Paraguay would like to say that the only use nuclear of a nuclear energy should be its peaceful use. We consider that the NPT is the cornerstone of disarmament, non proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This instrument is complemented and perfected by the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the CTBT as well as the Declaration of Nuclear Weapons Free Zones such as under the TLATELCO Treaty. On this point, it's urgent that states that are not parties to the NPT become parties without delay and it's important to ensure the entry into force of the the CTBT through the signature and ratification of all countries of annexed to the TPNW is a milestone in international law because it's based on the recognition of the human suffering caused by nuclear weapons and its disastrous consequences providing humanitarian approach to nuclear disarmament. It also places it in a legal, lasting and binding framework. We call on States that are not parties to the TPMW to sign it and ratify it without delay. I'd like to reiterate the need for full respect of the inalienable right of all States to develop, conduct, research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful uses through the implementation of programs designed based on international norms that take into account practice of cooperation, damage prevention, due diligence as well as environmental responsibility. Paraguay also recognized the fundamental role of the IAEA and its system of safeguards in implementing obligations undertaken by States Parties under the Treaty. Paraguay, as a member of the first densely populated area free of nuclear weapons, maintains its unshakable commitment to strengthening the disarmament and Non proliferation regime advocating for transparency, transparent, irreversible, verifiable and legally binding nuclear disarmament for all States. This international commitment of Paraguay is consistent with its condition as the States Party to all the main international instruments in this area. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:04:24]: I thank the distinguished representative of Paraguay. And now I give the floor to Her Excellency, Permanent Representative of Japan. Japan · Permanent Representative [1:04:35]: Thank you. Madam Chair. Japan fully aligns itself with the joint statement of the group of broadly like minded countries delivered by the Netherlands and I deliver the following abbreviated version of statement in my national capacity. Madam Chair, 80 years have passed since the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We must intensify our efforts to never repeat the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and to extend the 80 year long record of the non use of nuclear weapons. Understanding the reality of the atomic bombing's use is the starting point of such efforts. Japan has called on leaders and future leaders from all around the globe to visit the two cities and many have come to see with their own eyes and listen to the hibakusha stories with their own ears. Madam Chair, maintaining and strengthening the npt, the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non proliferation architecture is a priority and in the interests of the entire international community. With the Review Conference coming up next year, Japan continues to strongly urge Member States to demonstrate the spirit of dialogue and cooperation and and engage in a constructive dialogue. Japan also pledges its full support to Ambassador Dohun, Viet, President designate of 2026 NPT Review Conference for its successful outcome. Madam Chair, Japan seeks to continue to advance a realistic and practical approach towards a world without nuclear weapons through concrete measures that should be taken by both nuclear and non nuclear weapons States. Japan had submitted a draft resolution reflecting this approach. Such efforts include the early entry into force and the universalization of the CTBT and early commencement of the negotiation of an fmct. Japan calls on all States, especially the remaining States that are required for its entry into force, to sign and ratify the ctbt. We'll also work with Member States for the early commencement of negotiations of an fmct. Japan also calls on all nuclear weapons States to promote effective and responsible transparency measures including through providing numerical and qualitative information on their nuclear arsenals. Madam Chair, Japan is seriously concerned about the advancement of the DPRK's nuclear and missile activities and its military cooperation with Russia. It is essential for the international community to be united and fully implement the Redbant UN Security Council resolutions to achieve the concrete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of the DPRK's. All weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges. Japan urges Pyongyang to abide by all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and fully comply with the LPT and the IAA safeguard. I thank Her Excellency, Permanent Representative of Japan for her statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan. Sudan [1:07:51]: Thank you. Madam Chair, the delegation of Sudan aligns itself to the statements delivered by the nam, the Arab and African Group. We would like to present the following remarks in our national capacity. Nuclear weapons represent one of the gravest challenges to be peace and security at both regional and international levels. This threat is exacerbated by ongoing developments in the nuclear arms race. The shift in military doctrines to incorporate nuclear weapons as a core component of both defensive and offensive strategies directly contributes to the increased likelihood of escalation and conflict. It's evident that international frameworks aimed at curbing the spread of weapons and promoting disarmament are witnessing a noticeable decline which weakens the collective security system and makes the world more vulnerable to risks of nuclear proliferation. The NPT is the cornerstone of the disarmament regime. It's based on a collective commitment under Article 6 which obliges all state parties to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures for nuclear disarmament. However, past decades have seen a decline in the implementation of nuclear armed States obligations to achieve the complete elimination of their arsenals. This undermined the credibility of the treaty and weakened international consensus on non proliferation, especially in light of the failure of the last two Review Conferences. In this context, it's imperative that nuclear armed states demonstrate genuine political will to support the success of the 11th review conference. This would contribute to realistic recommendations toward the treaty's ultimate goal of nuclear disarmament. In the absence of a unified international will, the global community has sought alternative pathways. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons serves as a legal and moral framework reflecting the rejection of most countries to possess such weapons. Madam Chair, our mission in this committee is clearly defined in the following. First, reaffirming the importance of refraining from the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons as their use would result in an unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe. Second, the need to activate diplomatic efforts. We call for urgent negotiations on a treaty banning the production of facile materials and encourage nuclear arms state to resume constructive dialogue on verifiable and irreversible reduction in nuclear arsenals. Third, strengthening existing agreements and urging all states to ratify the ctbt, including the establishment of a nuclear Weapon Free zone in the Middle east which forms the basis for the indefinite extension of the npt. To conclude, we must focus on investing in the future by redirecting resources allocated to weapons towards achieving SDGs, including the development of health and education sectors and enhancing efforts to combat climate change. This will ensure a balanced implementation. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:10:56]: I thank the distinguished representative of Sudan. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia. Tunisia [1:11:06]: Thank you, Madam President. Tunisia aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Arab Group, the African Group and the Non Aligned Movement and wishes to deliver the following remarks in its national capacity. In September each year and on the margins of the General assembly session, the international community meets to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. World leaders would deliver statements to highlight the need for the elimination of this particular type of weapon due to the danger it represents to humanity, not only when they are used, but also in terms of their mere existence. On the other hand, nuclear weapons investments continue to soar. Nuclear weapons arsenals continue to proliferate. Consequently, international peace and security, the environment and the whole planet continue to be in jeopardy. Madam Chair, let us recall that nuclear war should not be fought, cannot be won and must not be threatened. Two years ago, we witnessed the first threat of a nuclear bomb in our modern times made by a member of a government of the occupying power against the people of Gaza. That statement and similar ones should be condemned as they may lead to the normalization of nuclear discourses. Tunisia believes that establishing nuclear free zones is a sine qua non for nuclear disarmament. Hence, we call for the establishment of a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East. And in this regard we command the efforts conducted by the Kingdom of Morocco in its capacity as President of the 6th Conference of the establishment of a Middle east zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. As conflicts and crises continue and worsen in several regions of the world, the conviction grows that eliminating nuclear weapons does not undermine international business security, it rather enhances them. Madam Chair, as we are approaching the 2026 NPT Review Conference, it is worth reminding that the two consecutive failures do not put the treaty in in question. They rather put the international system in question. As a matter of fact, NPT has proved its efficiency with this with the significant decrease of nuclear warheads ever since the ratification of the npt. Thus, Tunisia calls upon the environmental the international community to create a favorable climate for the success of the upcoming Review Conference. In conclusion, Madam Chair, nuclear weapons represent not only a threat to international peace and security, but also a threat to humanity, the environment and the Whole planet. We will be much better together without nuclear weapons. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:13:57]: I thank the distinguished representative of Tunisia. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Maldives. Maldives [1:14:05]: Thank you, Chair. The Maldives aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Non Aligned Movement. The world today stands at a dangerous crossroads with arms control frameworks weakening nuclear nuclear rhetoric resurging and global trust fading. Arms control regimes are eroding, arsenals are being modernized and fissile material production is resuming. These are signs of a renewed and destabilizing arms race. Equally alarming are the proliferation risks from growing stocks of highly enriched uranium. The Maldives is deeply concerned by these trends. The universal ratification of the CTBT must remain an urgent global priority. While some measures their strength by stockpiling sids like the Maldives see security in the well being of our people, the protection of our ocean and survival of our islands. Our security rests on protecting people and the planet, upholding the rule of law and strengthening multilateralism. The only lasting solution is complete and irreversible nuclear disarmament. Our priorities remain elimination, not modernization. Redirect nuclear resources towards climate action, health and sustainable development. True foundation of peace, humanitarian focus and justice. Implement the TPNW's provisions to deliver tangible relief and restore ecosystems Bridging frameworks. The npt, CTBT and the TPNW are complementary instruments and they must guide us. Transparency and verification strengthen cooperation and verification so commitments are measurable and trusted. The Maldives reaffirms its commitment to the TPNW ratified in 2019 and supports the outcome of the third meeting of States Parties in 2025, including the creation of the Trust Fund for Victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation. This shows a clear link between disarmament, sustainable development and climate resilience. Let us replace deterrence with dialogue, contentment with cooperation and opacity with accountability. It is time to redirect military and nuclear spending towards the SDGs to build resilience in health, education, renewable energy and sustainable development. The Maldives stands ready to work with all partners to make disarmament real and irreversible. Let our shared future be defined by human human security, not nuclear peril. I thank you. Chair [1:16:56]: I thank the distinguished representative of Maldives. And now I give the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of India. India · Permanent Representative [1:17:07]: Thank you, Madam Chair. India continues to be committed to nuclear disarmament which must be universal, non discriminatory and verifiable. This goal can be achieved in a time bound manner by a step by step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral framework which is global and non discriminatory in nature. We have outlined our approach to nuclear disarmament in a working paper submitted to the First Committee in 2006 and to the Conference on Disarmament in 2007 CD 1816. This approach has an enduring relevance. The Conference on Disarmament, the world's single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, has the mandate and membership to commence negotiations on a comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Convention. As a responsible nuclear weapon state, India has a policy of maintaining a credible minimum deterrence with a posture of no first use and non use of nuclear weapons against non nuclear weapon states. India is prepared to convert these undertakings into multilateral legal arrangements. India remains committed to a voluntary unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing. We have also indicated willingness to move towards a de jure formalization of this Declaration without diminishing the priority that we attach to disarmament. India supports the immediate commencement of negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament of a non discriminatory multilateral and internationally and effectively verifiable facile material cutoff treaty FMCT on the basis of of CD 1299 and the mandate contained therein which remains the most suitable basis for negotiations. Madam Chair, India acknowledges that the use of AI in nuclear command and control NC3 raises questions. India's position is that a decision to use nuclear weapons would be taken by humans. Madam Chair, India presents two resolutions in this cluster. India is committed to reducing nuclear danger and since 1998 we have introduced a resolution on this issue that draws global attention to the hair trigger alert of nuclear weapons and calls for steps to reduce the risk of unintentional or accidental use of nuclear weapons, including through de alerting and de targeting of nuclear weapons. India's commitment to global nuclear disarmament is unchanged. India strongly supports upholding and strengthening the global non proliferation objectives. We stand ready to work with all countries to achieve that objective. We believe that the international community must do all that it can to prevent terrorists and non state actors from gaining access to nuclear weapons materials and technologies. The full version of my statement will be available online. Thank you Madam Chair. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:19:56]: I thank His Excellency Permanent Representative of India. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria. Nigeria [1:20:06]: Thank you Madam Chair. Nigeria align itself with the statement delivered by non alliance movement and African Group. Nuclear weapon continue to pose a serious threat to humanity. Their total and irreversible elimination remain essential to the preserv preservation of international peace and security, especially in an area of deepening mistrust among nation Restoring that trust demand renew commitment to a world free of nuclear weapon. The catastrophe humanitarian impact on nuclear weapon necessitate our shared duty to eliminate them. The anomal resources spent on their upkeep should instead be directed toward peace, human welfare and sustainable development. The persistent luck of progress in nuclear disarmament and past NPT Review Conference undermine confidence in the treaty. Nigeria called for renewed political will to ensure the 11th review conference achieves meaningful outcome. Madam Chair, my delegation urged nuclear weapons states to fulfill their obligation under Article 6 of the NPT and other agreed outcome and to work with all States and to work with all states toward balanced implementation of the three pillars disarmament, non proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Africa adoption of the Pelandaba Treaty reflects its strong commitment to a nuclear weapon free zone. Nigeria urged other region to follow this example to promote global and regional security. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons remain a landmark complement to the npt. Nigeria welcomed the outcome of the third meeting of the State Party and look forward to the first Review Conference. Madam Chair, Nigeria reaffirmed its inalienable right of all states to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in accordance with the NPNPT and the AIA status. Along with other developing countries, we support strong control of unradioactive material the conversion of highly enriched uranium in research resources. In conclusion, Madam Chair, Nigeria reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the full and effective implementation of all instruments aimed at total elimination of nuclear weapons and to collective effort that advance lasting international peace and security. I thank you all. Chair [1:22:42]: I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria for his statement. And now I give the floor to His Excellency the Deputy Permanent Representative of Colombia. Colombia · Deputy PR [1:22:57]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Colombia has maintained a historic and firm commitment that peace international security can only be maintained based on the full compliance of non proliferation and disarmament principles. This is enshrined in our constitution. It's Article 81 explicitly prohibits nuclear weapons. This reflects the collective conscience based on human life, social justice and the protection of the planet. For this reason, Colombia is currently in the process of ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and is a party to the main international instruments on disarmament and non proliferation as well as on the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology. Mr. Chair, Latin America and the Caribbean through the Tlateloco Treaty became the first densely populated region of the world becoming free of nuclear weapons. This historic instrument proved our original commitment to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons and reaffirms the relevance of negative security guarantees. Along these lines, Colombia supports the creation of nuclear weapons free zone as an essential instrument to counter the risk of proliferation, promote confidence and trust in global disarmament. Nuclear weapon States must fulfill their international obligations in providing negative security guarantees that is not not to use, threaten or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non nuclear states. Also, Colombia defends the inalienable right of all states to develop and to benefit from from the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. We recognize the fundamental role of the IAEA in promoting through technical assistance and cooperation various peaceful applications in countries confronting major development challenges. Colombia underscores the importance of mainstream gender perspective in all disarmament non proliferation instruments and on the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Our commitment is fully in line with the women peace and security agenda and Resolution 1325 of the Security Council. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:25:32]: Thank you. I thank His Excellency the Deputy Permanent Representative of Colombia for his statement and now I give the floor to His Excellency Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea. Republic of Korea · Permanent Representative [1:25:46]: Madam Chair, A world free of nuclear weapons cannot be achieved overnight and a gradual and pragmatic approach is the most realistic way to achieve nuclear disarmament. In this regard, the leading role of the nuclear weapons state remains of particular importance. The Republic of Korea calls for the faithful implementation of the P5 Leader Statement of 202022 and their engagement in meaningful dialogue. We therefore welcome any high level exchanges between the United States and Russia and join others in calling for the prompt resumption of implementation of the new START and finding a way forward. No state should resort to nuclear blackmail in this regard. Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric are profoundly damaging to nuclear disarmament and non preparation. We are also concerned about the rapid and untransparent expansion of nuclear arsenal over another nuclear weapon state. Under the current circumstances, nuclear risk reduction provides the most immediate and concrete avenue for progress. We welcome the recent transparency measures taken by some nuclear weapons States in this regard and urge others to follow suit. Chair As a State Party in full compliance with the Treaty, the Republic of Korea reaffirms its commitment to the NPT and will continue to contribute to strengthening all three mutually reinforcing pillars of the treaty in the 2026 review conference, renewed momentum is needed for the early entry into force of CTBT and commencement of negotiations on afmct. Chair among the challenges to the non preparation regime, the most persistent one stems from the DPRK's unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs. In violation of multiple Security Council resolutions coupled with open declarations of nuclear expansion, the DPRK cannot have the status of the nuclear weapons state under the npt. That is why this assembly has repeatedly adopted resolutions with overwhelming support urging the DPRK to return to full compliance with NPT and IAEA safeguards. Regarding the DPRK's recent claims during the general debate, I'd like to emphasize that they are groundless and that the ROK U. S combined deterrence posture is a response to DPRK's military threats. The DPRK must abandon its nuclear weapon program, fully comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions and return to dialogue toward denuclearization. The Republic of Korea, for its part, is willing to have a comprehensive dialogue to end the era of hostility and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula. Chair. The Republic of Korea stands ready to work constructively with all delegations. The full version of the statement will be available online. Thank you, Chair. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:28:43]: I thank His Excellency, Permanent Representative of the rok. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal. Nepal [1:28:53]: Madam Chair, Nepal aligns itself with the statement of the Non Aligned Movement. The world has witnessed unspeakable deaths and destruction from the use of nuclear weapons and their lingering impacts. The production, stockpiling and testing of nuclear weapons have drained vital resources and placed humanity at the risk of nuclear annihilation. This year, marking the 80 years of the first use of nuclear weapons and 55 years of the entry into force of the NPT signals a strong message we must deliver on nuclear disarmament. Madam Chair, Nepal holds a principal position that the total elimination is the only guarantee against the use or threat of nuclear weapons. We view that the possession of nuclear weapons cannot be justified under any pretext. The notions of responsible possession, nuclear deterrence and nuclear sharing that perpetuate a dangerous nuclear status quo are neither acceptable nor legitimate. We are concerned that the potential integration of new technologies, including AI, in nuclear weapons, tends to further compromise the safeguards of nuclear stockpiles. Madam Chair, as we are holding the 11th NPT Review Conference in June next year, we call on NPT States Parties to demonstrate maximum political will and genuine action to make progress towards nuclear disarmament. We urge all, particularly the Nuclear Weapons States, to fulfill their obligations under Article 6 of the Treaty in line with the principles of transparency, irreversibility and verifiability. Nepal considers npt, CTBT and TPNW as complementary and mutually reinforcing treaties in our pursuit towards a nuclear weapons free world. We urge the remaining Annex 2 states to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay, facilitating its entry into force. Madam Chair, we support the INALIENABLE rights of all states to develop, research and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination. We continue to support the role of the IAEA in ensuring the peaceful uses of nuclear energy through its comprehensive safeguards and mechanisms. Nepal considers Nuclear Weapons Free Zones as a crucial step towards a nuclear weapons free world and supports their maintenance and establishment, including one in the Middle East. The Conference on Disarmament, the sole multilateral negotiating forum for disarmament, needs to be revitalized. Nepal emphasizes the early commencement of negotiations under the City on a legally binding instrument providing security assurances to non nuclear weapon states against the user threat of use of nuclear weapons, as well as on the fmcd. Madam Chair, Nepal supports victim assure assistance and environmental remediation efforts to survivors of nuclear weapon production, testing and use. We recognize the valuable contribution of UN regional centers, the scientific and research community, the civil society in educating and promoting our nation. The Urgency of Nuclear Disarmament to conclude, Madam Chair, the pursuit of a world free of nuclear weapons is not a lofty. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:31:56]: I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand. Thailand [1:32:02]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Thailand align itself with the statement of NAM and asean. The world faces a grave reality. Growing mistrust and deepening strategic competition is paralyzing disarmament. Critical setbacks, including the erosion of the new STAR Treaty and repeated deadlocks at the NPT Review Conferences have exacerbated global anxieties and push us further from our shared goals. The three pillars of the NPT are indivisible and mutually reinforcing in this climate of heightened tension. The imperative to rebuild trust and fulfill disarmament obligations has never been more critical. Talan therefore underscored the following first, nuclear disarmament must be advanced through the accelerated implementation of existing commitments and undertaking under the NPT framework as a fundamental step towards general and complete disarmament. At the same time, nuclear weapons States are obligated to provide and uphold legally binding negative security assurances to non nuclear weapons States. They must adopt concrete risk reduction measures to prevent catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Strengthening the NPT review process is an immediate priority. Greater transparency and accountability are urgently required, particularly through more rigorous and standardized reporting by nuclear weapons States on the fulfillment of their Article 6 disarmament obligations. A substantive outcome of the 2026 review conference is essential. State parties must not only reaffirm their commitments, but also engage with renewed urgency and political unity to break the cycle of failure. Second, tangible progress require complementarity across disarmament and non proliferation frameworks as co facilitator with Ireland on complementarity under the TPNW. Thailand urges all states to join the TPNW, to sign and ratify the CTBT, particularly Annex 2 states, and to support the early commencement of the FMCT negotiations. Third, robust regional efforts are the bedrock of our global objective as the depository of the Bangkok Treaty. Talan look forward to tomorrow's state accession and reiterate its call on all nuclear weapons states to sign and ratify the Protocol without delay. Madam Chair, amidst today's fragile geopolitical landscape, the pursuit of a world free of nuclear weapons is not just a shared aspiration but an urgent security imperative. Thailand remains firmly committed to working with all partners to achieve this goal. I thank you. Chair [1:34:47]: I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand and now I give the floor to Distinguished representative of the uae. United Arab Emirates [1:35:04]: Madam Chair at the outset the UAE aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Arab Group and nam. We underscore the importance of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament and non proliferation regime. In this regard, the UAE looks for forward to the 2026 NPT Review Conference as a pivotal milestone for advancing nuclear disarmament and revitalizing multilateral diplomacy, particularly in light of the failure to adopt an outcome document at the previous two conferences. We call upon Member States to demonstrate genuine political will and to engage actively and constructively in the Conference with a view to achieving concrete and substantive outcomes that reinforce the effect of effectiveness and universality of the Treaty. We reiterate that establishing a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle east has become a priority. We underscore the importance of implementing the 1995 NPT resolution on the Middle East. We also look forward to the upcoming United Nations Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear weapons and other WMDs to be held next November under the Presidency of the Kingdom of Morocco. We urge all participants to engage in good faith in the conference discussions with a view to achieving a treaty that advances such a zone. The entry into force of the CTBT is a vital step towards the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons. We call on Annex 2 states to expedite the signing and ratification of this treaty to facilitate its entry into force as soon as possible. We emphasize the vital role of the IAEA safeguards system as a reliable mechanism in strengthening the non proliferation regime and ensuring the use of nuclear materials and facilities for peaceful purposes only. In this context and in line with our commitment to transparency and highest safety standards and adherence to international best Practices the My country has concluded a comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA and signed its Additional Protocol. We seize this opportunity to renew our call for states whose nuclear activities have raised international concerns to fully cooperate with the IAEA and to take all necessary measures to resolve the outstanding issues and restore confidence in the peaceful nature of their nuclear programs. We call on all Member States to support the Arab Draft resolution entitled the Risks of Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East. I thank you Madam Chair. Chair [1:37:41]: I thank the distinguished representative of UAE and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel. Israel [1:37:50]: Thank you Chair Operation Rising lion was launched in a context that cannot be misinterpreted. Over the years, Iran has repeatedly violated international commitments and obligations, including with regard to the development of nuclear weapons. Iran is a clear example of a state which is consistently non compliant with the international instruments to which it is party. This rogue Iranian behavior has been detailed in many reports by the UN and the IAEA as well as the National Intelligence reports and media publications. Iran has been violating its safeguard obligations related to undeclared nuclear material and nuclear activity in violation of the CSA agreement it has signed with the iaea. Iran's behavior illustrates a sustained and deliberate policy of non compliance. Israel conducted Operation Rising Line in order to neutralize the existential and imminent threat posed by the Iranian regime's military nuclear program as well as the threat posed by its ballistic missile program and other military activities against Israel. In Iran with nuclear weapons is a threat to Israel and to the world. This has become clear as the UN Security Council sanctions on Iran were reinstated in response to ongoing violations, especially with relations to its military nuclear program. It is now up to the international community to make sure that Iran complies with all of its NPTCSA obligations and provides the IAEA access to all of its nuclear facilities in full accountancy of its nuclear materials, as well as making sure that Iran abides by Security Council demands, including the suspension of all activities related to enrichment, reprocessing and heavy water. Chair the existence of undeclared nuclear activities in Syria remains relevant and worrying as well as the open questions related to the undeclared material and activities in Syria. This has been amplified by recent IAEA findings. The construction of the clandestine nuclear reactor in Syria was done in blatant violation of Syria's obligations. The current Syrian authorities must cooperate with the IAEA regarding all of the unresolved safeguard issues related to Syria's past nuclear activities. It must remedy its non compliance, provide access to all information sites, material and persons and promptly Bring into force and implement in full the Additional Protocol. Chair. On the matter of the tpnw, Israel stresses that the treaty which Israel does not support, does not create or contribute to development of or indicate the existence of customary law related to the subject or the content of the treaty. Finally, Chair. Some actors in the region still claim that a comprehensive security architecture can be initiated in the Middle east without direct engagement with Israel. This possession is untenable. We will repeat that Israel will not participate in artificial processes that bypass established practice. Chair. The full version of my statement will be uploaded to the UN website. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:40:34]: I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. And now I give the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Cuba. Cuba [1:40:48]: Thank you, Madam Chair. We align ourselves with the statement of Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement and of South Africa on behalf of the States, parties and signatories of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The situation around the world is increasingly more dangerous and challenging. The imminent threat of a repeat of the bond Nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki continue to loom as long as all nuclear arms are not eliminated. In the current regional context. We reiterate the full validity of the Proclamation of Latin America and Caribbean in a zone of peace. We reject the Monroe Doctrine and all attempts at militarization intervention on imperialist domination in the region. A world of justice dictators. Indian peace is possible as long as respect for international law and cooperation among states prevails. The repeated failures of the last review conferences of the NPT takes us even farther away from the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. The Disarmament Commission has not been able to adopt specific recommendations on this topic. It is urgent to adopt a legally binding instrument that provide security guarantees to states who do not possess nuclear weapons. It's also important to universalize the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The signature of yet another country and the ratification of another to this important instrument this year furthers this goal. The successful holding of its third meeting of States Parties demonstrated the shared goal of the elimination of nuclear weapons. It is essential also to ensure the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. We reaffirm our firm support for the establishment of a nuclear weapons free zone and free of other WMD in the Middle East. We support also the inalienable right of all states to conduct research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful aims. Cuba will continue to promote the total elimination of the this type of weapons pursuant to the principles of our foreign policy as enshrined in our Constitution. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:43:02]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Niger. Niger [1:43:11]: Merci Madame La thank you, Madam Chair. Niger associates itself with the statement delivered by the NON movement of the African group and we continue to believe that nuclear disarmament is one of the critical pillars of international peace and security. The use, even threat of use of nuclear weapons runs counter to the principles of the Charter of the United nations and international humanitarian law. This we believe that security cannot be based on nuclear deterrence but it can be based on a complete elimination of nuclear weapons. Madam Chair, we recently took a decision, a sovereign decision to withdraw from the nuclear the Treaty of Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This is a reflection of our commitment to the goals of disarmament and non proliferation. We have assessed the strategic global context and structural limitations of this tool which led to our decision. We continue to be inspired by the aspirations which resulted in the adoption. But we believe that as it currently stands it does not reflect contemporary security needs nor the needs for credible and universal goals. There is a lack of realism and this does not include a robust security mechanism and does not provide for sufficient security assurances for nuclear weapons states more with the risk of creating a fragmentation in the international disarmament regime. And Niger believes that the NPT is a cornerstone of of the multilateral disarmament non proliferation system and it remains and needs to remain the linchpin around which efforts are based to achieve a nuclear weapons free world. In that vein, we remain fully committed to obligations under the NPT as well as the Pelandaba Treaty for the nuclear weapons free zone. We also support the rapid entry into force of the CTBT and the need for binding treaty ensuring with assurances for non nuclear states. We continue to advocate the full implementation of the three pillars of the NPT while at the same time encouraging constructive dialogue between nuclear and non nuclear weapon states. We have always embraced a pragmatic inclusive approach to nuclear disarmament and we believe that the phase the verifiable reduction of nuclear weapons together with transparency and confidence building mechanisms is the same safest, surest way towards complete disarmament. At the national level. We are proactively working to reinforce our national institutional framework for nuclear security. We have built our capabilities for oversight of radioactive substances and this is in accordance with the recommendations of the iaea. Global security cannot be guaranteed with the possession of nuclear weapons, but rather through trust building and solidarity and trust amongst people. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:46:11]: I thank the distinguished representative of Niger. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iran, Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:46:20]: Madam Chair we align ourselves with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of nam. The credibility of the NPT is being gravely undermined by the unlawful actions of citizens. The most alarming example is the Israeli regime and the United States military attacks against Iran's safeguarded nuclear facilities in June 2025. Acts of aggression that endangers nuclear safety violated Article 3 and 4 of the Treaty and struck at the core of its integrity. Such actions, contrary to the UN Charter and the IAEA statute, must be unequivocally condemned and their perpetrators held accountable. Equally alarming is the persistent failure of nuclear weapon States to fulfill their disarmament obligations under Article 6. Instead of advancing disarmament, they continue large scale modernization of their arsenals in material breach of their treaty commitments and obligations. The continued reliance on extended nuclear deterrence arrangements, including NATO and Aukus, is also inconsistent with Article 1 and 2. A major proliferation challenge persists in the Middle east where the Israeli regime remaining outside the NPT and possessing nuclear weapons evades accountability. With the support of certain Western states, notably the United States, United Kingdom and France, the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the region remains an urgent legal and security imperative. Paradoxically, those responsible for such unlawful actions persist in imposing stricter non proliferation demands on others while advancing unfounded allegations and military actions against peaceful nuclear activities. These double standards in is evident in the recent unlawful attempt to revive terminated Security Council resolutions. My delegations draw attention to a crucial development three days ago, pursuant to operative paragraph 8 of resolution 2231, all its provisions and those of prior sanctions resolutions were terminated on October 18, 2025 and no longer carry any legal effect effect. Any attempt to reinstate them is unlawful and void. Finally, Iran has once again tabled its biennial draft resolution on follow up to the implementation of nuclear disarmament obligations agreed at the previous review conferences and looks forward to the continued support of Member States. I thank you, Madam Chair. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:49:08]: I thank the distinguished representative of Iran and then I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cote d'. Ivoire, Madame La President. Côte d’Ivoire [1:49:19]: Madam President, my delegation welcomes the conduct of this debate on nuclear weapons and we align ourselves with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement and the African Group. We wish to deliver the following remarks in our national capacity. Our conviction is that heightened awareness of the humanitarian catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons can be one of the best ways to generate a more rigorous commitment towards the urgent need of achieving elimination of nuclear weapons in a world free of nuclear weapons. Greater awareness about this issue, therefore, should be the focus which should be Embraced. To that end, my delegation applauds the establishment last year of the Independent Scientific Group on the Effects of Nuclear War, whose work is focused on examining the physical and societal consequences of such a conflict. This is progress. There is also a need to ensure that there is a better promotion of the agenda on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons, specifically through more tangible support for the resolution on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, which Cote d' Ivoire has co sponsored alongside a number of other delegations. Support for the resolution on the treaty and greater synergy with other disarmament frameworks and non proliferation in first and foremost, the Non Proliferation Treaty is necessary in order to reinforce its key position within this architecture. We also believe that this humanitarian perspective can serve as a catalyst to ensure universal accession to an entry into force of the CTBT in order to completely eliminate such tests and thus their consequences for human health and the environment. We are currently presiding over Otis and we are actively championing this goal. We are also engaged in the international monitoring system. We host two of its stations and we call for the establishment of a strategy to maintain the system. Madam Chair, as part of the initiative of the African Champions for Nuclear Energy Afcon our President Alessandro was designated African Champion for Science and Peaceful Nuclear Technology for West Africa. This reflects the pride of place which we give to the promotion of civilian uses of nuclear power. We advocate more research and cooperation in this area for the benefit of the development and prosperity of least developed countries. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Cote d'. Ivoire. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:52:11]: And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Equatorial Rini. Equatorial Guinea [1:52:19]: Thank you. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguish delegates on behalf of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere congratulations to you, Madam Chair, for your election to lead this First Committee as well as to the distinguished members of the Bureau for their well deserved designation. My delegation assures you of its full support in the success of the session. Equatorial guinea also fully supports the statements made by Nigeria on behalf of the African Group, of Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement and of South Africa on behalf of the tpnw. Madam Chair, the Material guinea reaffirms its conviction that the complete elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against their use or the threat of their use. In this context, the TPNW today is the most coherent, complete and universal instrument to achieve this overriding goal. TPNW symbolized the moral and legal commitment of the international community to peace by prohibiting, without any exception, the development, production of possession, storing, transfer and the use of nuclear weapons. This treaty. Endows multilateralism with its credibility by putting the debate on human dignity at the same level as sovereignty of states. The TPNW that time has become an obsolete and elitist framework that allows states possessing nuclear weapons to perpetuate their nuclear domination while weakening the commitments of disarmament under Article 6. Guinea Equatorial guinea considers the NPT cannot continue being the cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament regime in a changed world. The TPNW has assumed this central role as a new normative, ethical and humanitarian pillar of the international system in line with international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. Madam Chair. International security cannot continue to be sustained on deterrence and threat, but rather on trust, cooperation and transparency. Equatorial guinea urges nuclear weapons States to fulfill their international obligations and to stop modernizing their arsenals and commit themselves to a disarmament that is verifiable, transparent and irreversible. Africa has demonstrated its commitment to peace and security through its denuclearization enshrined in the Pelindaba Treaty which converts our continent in a nuclear weapons free zone. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:55:24]: Distinguished Representative of Equatorial guinea for his statement and for the kind words expressed to the Bureau. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kiribati. Kiribati [1:55:35]: Madam Chair. At the outset, Kiripus wishes to align itself with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the TPNW state and the joint statement delivered by Austria on newstart. Madam Chair, at this year's high level meeting to commemorate International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, the Secretary General remarked that the shadow of nuclear annihilation is still with us and spreading fast. Fueled by divisions and mistrusts along with rising military spending, growing stockpiles and countries rattling the nuclear system. Sabah as a means of coercion, humanity is headed in the wrong direction. It's time to chart a new course for lasting peace through disarmament. Kiribati is deeply concerned that nuclear weapon States continue to modernize their arsenals contrary to their obligations under Article 6 of the NPT. It is time for the Nuclear Weapons States to honor the NPT's 10 grand parking and the 2010 action plan. We expect concrete progress at next year's Review Conference as the world cannot afford another failure. Our highest priority is centering the discussions on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. At the forefront of the NPT Review Conference we must have a dialogue on helping victims of nuclear weapons. This is why Kiribati and Kazakhstan have tippled mortalities. Resolution on the 2026 meeting on victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation. We recall that a majority of states voted on the mandate for such a meeting and now we call upon all states to support this year's resolution. Madam Chair, in these challenging times we must remain hopeful. Kitibus has co sponsored the ctbt, tpnw, Humanitarian Consequences and a NAC resolutions and supports South Africa's resolution on Ethical Imperatives, Malaysia's resolution on ICJ Advisory Opinion and Mexico's on AI risk in Nuclear Command and Control. Together these efforts advance our shared goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. Madam Chair, Nuclear weapons free zones are essential regional approach to strengthening global nuclear non proliferation and disarmament norms and consolidating international efforts towards peace and security. They complement both the NPT and tpnw. We attach great importance to our regional zone, the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone and the Treaty of Rarotonga. The TPNW is our ray of hope. We congratulate our good friends for signing the treaty and Khan of ratifying it. We are almost at 100 which will be a significant milestone for the international community. I thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [1:58:35]: I thank the distinguished representative of Kiribati. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lao pdr. Lao People's Democratic Republic [1:58:50]: Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of NAM and Malaysia on behalf of asean. Madam Chair, the existence of nuclear weapons remain one of the gravest threats to global peace security at the very survival of humankind. Today, international efforts to advance peace, security and sustainable development are overshadowed by the interrelated risk posed by nuclear weapons. The Lao PDR joins the majority of UN Member States in calling for urgent and concrete action towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons. The NPT remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non proliferation regime. We therefore call on all state parties to renew their commitments towards the full and effective implementation of the Treaty in all its aspects. The Lao PDR reaffirms its strong commitment to tpnw. We believe that the universalization of the TPNW is vital to achieving the total elimination of nuclear weapons and ensuring a world free from the threat of nuclear annihilation. The CTBT continues to serve as a vital instrument and a strong international norm that embody our shared aspiration to ban on nuclear testing. We ask the remaining states that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the treaty at the earliest opportunity to facilitate its entry into force. Madam Chair, the LAUFI are very the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for economic and social development and expresses appreciation to the IAEA for its continued assistance. Together with other ASEAN member States, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening cooperation with the IAEA in this regard. ASEAN continues to work closely to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zones and its Plan of Action. In conclusion, the LA PDRE affirms its unwavering commitment to upholding its international obligations and to working constructively with all Member States to achieve the world free of nuclear weapons. Chair [2:01:39]: I thank you, Madam Sir I thank the distinguished representative of the Lao PDR and now I give the floor to His Excellency Permanent Representative of T Timor Leste. Timor-Leste · Permanent Representative [2:01:51]: Madam Chair, Timor Leste aligns itself with a statement delivered by Republic of Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement and New START Group. Timor Leste remains deeply committed to the global elimination of nuclear weapons and the strengthening of multilateral disarmament frameworks. We are gravely concerned by the continued modernization of nuclear arsenals, the deployment of of new delivery systems and strategic doctrines that lower the threshold for nuclear use even against non nuclear weapon states. These developments undermine international peace and security and run counter to the spirit and obligations of the Treaty on Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Timor Lester reaffirms that nuclear disarmament must remain the foremost priority within the global disarmament agenda. We underscore the importance of revitalizing substantive dialogue within the Conference on Disarmament to identify and implement effective measures for nuclear disarmament. Timor Leste also values ongoing efforts toward a comprehensive legal instrument addressing nuclear weapons and calls on all Member States to engage constructively and transparently. Madam Chair, we welcome the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and, as a proud signatory, reaffirm our commitment to its implementation and active participation in its future meetings. Timor Lester regrets that the 9th and 10th NPT review conferences were unable to reach consensus. We urge Nuclear Weapons State to demonstrate the political will necessary to ensure that the 11th Review Conference delivers concrete forward looking outcomes consistent with the NPT's core objectives. The credibility of the Treaty depends on the balanced implementation of its three pillars. Madam Chair, we also reiterate our strong support for the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in accordance with the relevant resolutions. At the same time, nuclear safety and security measures must not impede the inalienable right of developing countries to pursue peaceful nuclear energy as outlined in Article 4 of the NPT. Finally, Madam Chair Tim Morelsti welcomes recent expressions of intent by nuclear Weapons States to advance disarmament, but stresses that words must be matched by concrete, transparent and irreversible action. We reaffirm our commitment to multilateral government efforts and our intention to accede to the treaty on the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone at the earliest opportunity. In this spirit, Madam Chair, Timor LES stands firm in our cooperation with all partners toward a world free from the threat of nuclear arms. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:04:34]: I thank His Excellency, the Permanent Representative of Timor Leste for his statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jamaica. Jamaica [2:04:46]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Jamaica aligns itself with the statements delivered by Belize and Indonesia on behalf of Caricom and NAM respectively. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United nations, we reflect on the principles that the organization was founded to uphold which are enshrined in the provisions of the UN Charter and which serve to preserve international peace and security. We also acknowledge the complex challenges of the current geopolitical environment and reiterate that the vision which led to the founding of this very organization remains just as relevant today as we seek to address the prevailing challenges. Madam Chair, Jamaica believes that the entire global community has a role to play in advancing nuclear disarmament. We maintain our principal position in support of non proliferation and disarmament. We are convinced that the possession, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons are not consistent with UN Charter and international law. Jamaica therefore emphasizes that cooperation and dialogue play an irreplaceable role in addressing the existing tensions. As part of a region designated as a Nuclear Weapon free Zone under the Treaty of Tateloco, Jamaica stresses its commitment to preserving this status and believes security is best achieved through collective peace and disarmament rather than nuclear deterrence. We therefore call on states that have not yet joined the npt, the CTBT and the TPNW to consider doing so. Madam Chair, it is significant that the Pack for the Future contains the first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in over a decade. With a clear commitment to the goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. We urge all states to uphold its pledges and to work to prevent any erosion of existing international norms and to take all positive steps to prevent a nuclear war. Jamaica welcomes the upcoming review conference of the NPT and the TPNW in 2026 and calls for meaningful outcomes from these deliberations. These are critical opportunities to demonstrate political will, strengthen collective responsibility and advance focus on the goal of a nuclear free world. We reiterate the position that non proliferation on its own is not sufficient and that general and complete disarmament should remain as the full objective. My delegation remains committed to supporting the multilateral efforts towards the elimination of nuclear weapons. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:07:26]: I thank the distinguished representative of Jamaica. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium. Belgium [2:07:35]: Thank you. Madam Chair. Belgium aligns itself with the statement delivered by the EU and which is to offer the following remarks in its national capacity. The consequences of the use of nuclear weapons are far reaching. The prevention of the intentional or unintentional use of nuclear weapons is therefore of vital importance. Deterrence is part of preventing nuclear use. Belgium, therefore fully supports NATO standards on the need for nuclear deterrence as long as adversaries possess nuclear weapons and certainly when they threaten to use them against us. Belgium is in favor of a gradual and realistic approach of nuclear disarmament aimed at concluding irreversible and verifiable disarmament agreements between the nuclear powers. Credible nuclear arms control and disarmament requires a balance that ensures inclusive and sustainable sustainable security for all. A cornerstone of this balance is the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty which has significantly reduced nuclear stockpiles, curbed proliferation and enabled peaceful nuclear cooperation. However, today the NPT faces notable challenges. Belgium reconfirms that the TPRK's nuclear program is illegal and the TPRK cannot claim a status not granted under the npt. Belgium deplores as well that Russia undermines the treaty in exchange for North Korean ballistic missiles and cannot further for use in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Iran, another supplier of weapons to Russia, refuses clarity over its nuclear program and denies access to iaea. After years of unsuccessful dialogue to find a diplomatic solution. Reinstating all UNSC sanctions is therefore a justified risk response. Chair. Belgium urges nuclear weapon states to engage in risk reduction efforts and calls on those with the largest arsenals, Russia, United States and China, to negotiate new limits on strategic and non strategic warheads. Belgium also calls for universal ratification of the CTBT and urges Russia to reverse the withdrawal of its ratification. Belgium supports this establishment of a group of scientific and technical experts on nuclear disarmament verification as a concrete step towards a world without nuclear weapons. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:09:55]: I thank the distinguished representative of Belgium. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Panama. Panama [2:10:07]: Thank you, Madam Chair. This thematic debate on nuclear weapons must be of great importance to all states. And I would like to state that Panama is following very closely and with great concern the threat of nuclear risk represented by nuclear weapons states and the possible confrontation among major powers that puts in danger the security of all of Humanity undermines human rights and global peace. As we speak of this time topic of nuclear weapons, we can't forget that this year we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United nations and also commemorated the 80 years since the use for the first time of nuclear weapons against civilian populations in August of 1945 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This was a cruel and humane act that has left unforgettable scene scars in the international community and we condemn it wholeheartedly. This is why we'd like to take this opportunity to make an appeal to states that have not yet adhered to the Treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons that to do it as soon as possible. Madam Chair, as we said in our first statement in the general debate, the increase in military expansion expenditures at the global level have created uncertainty regarding nuclear weapons states as they expand and modernize their nuclear arsenals that could be used to threaten the sovereignty of states. Panama reaffirms its commitment to nuclear non proliferation and it has ratified treaties in this sphere. Madam Chair, our region is considered a region of peace and free of nuclear weapons as stated in the Tlatelolco Treaty. It's important to reiterate once again the disastrous humanitarian consequences that a nuclear winter would involve. Where millions of innocent civilians would suffer, there'd be massive environmental pollution, water and food security would be at risk. Lastly, we must guarantee world free of nuclear weapons and where all states live in peace in the framework of international law. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:12:28]: I thank the distinguished representative of Panama. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey. Türkiye [2:12:39]: Madam Chair, at the outset we would like to reaffirm our commitment to the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. As we also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Achieving this goal demands sustained cooperation and shared responsibility. The NPT remains at the cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament and global non proliferation regime. The 11th Review Conference provides an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to its full implementation across three pillars. Its further strengthening and universalization. There is no credible or viable alternative to the treaty. Turkey will continue to engage constructively in both its preparations and proceedings in order to ensure a successful transition to the subsequent review cycle. Madam Chair, we also stress the centrality of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty for the global disarmament and non proliferation architecture. Its entry into force remains critical. We reiterate our call on the remaining Annex 2 states to sign and ratify the treaty without delay and for all states to continue to uphold the moratoria against nuclear testing as the New START Treaty approaches its end. We view recent political statements as a positive step and remain supportive of efforts to ensure its successor or a follow on arrangement. Turkey reiterates the urgent need for the implementation of the decision of the 1995 Review Conference on on the Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in the Middle east, which has become even more critical to advance on global nuclear disarmament efforts. Particularly considering the nuclear rhetoric of a non NPT state in the region, we remain convinced that concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. Turkey is ready to support such efforts. In that regard, the ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile activities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Korea remain a source of serious concern. Turkey supports the goal of complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We call for the renewal of meaningful dialogue among the relevant parties. Madam Chair, in the face of persistent challenges, the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons must remain the compass guiding our pursuit of a common ground. However, we also acknowledge that attaining nuclear disarmament is not easy. As such, we will continue to support nuclear risk reduction efforts as well. While recognizing that this is not an alternative to nuclear disarmament, we will continue to engage in all relevant efforts nationally as well as through multilateral initiatives we are part of, such as MPDI and CEND initiatives. Therefore, we as members of the international community must act collectively to support strengthen the global architecture for non proliferation and disarmament. I thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:15:29]: I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tajikistan. Tajikistan [2:15:40]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The pursuit of nuclear disarmament and non proliferation calls for our resolute commitment to multilateralism and strengthening of foundational instruments that guide our collective efforts. First, we reaffirm the centrality of the Treaty on the non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone of the global disarmament and non proliferation architecture. The NPT must be upheld in both spirit and letter. We call for the full, balanced and effective implementation of its three pillars and urge all State Parties to engage constructively in the upcoming review cycle next year. Tangible Progress on Article 6 remains essential to maintaining the Treaty's credibility and relevance. Second, we emphasize the urgent need for the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The CDBT represents a critical barrier against the development of nuclear weapons, yet its promise remains unfulfilled. The delay in ratifying the Treaty undermines our shared commitment to to nuclear disarmament and weakens the credibility of the international security regime. Third, Tajikistan underscores the vital role of Nuclear Weapon free Zones as tangible and confidence building measures that enhance regional stability and uphold global non proliferation norms. The Central Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in particular exemplifies the region's commitment to peace and the principles of the Non Proliferation Treaty. We commend the establishment of such zones and encourage continued efforts to broaden their scope and strengthen their implementation. The effectiveness of Nuclear Weapon free Zones hinges on their unequivocal recognition by Nuclear Weapon States and we remain committed to working closely with our international partners to expedite the ratification of the Protocol to the Central Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone on negative security Assurances. Madam Chair, the international community must act with resolve. The path to a world free of nuclear weapons is not merely aspirational. It is a legal, moral and strategic imperative. Let us strengthen the instruments we have and reaffirm our shared responsibility to future generations. I thank you. Chair [2:18:01]: I thank the distinguished representative of Tajikistan. And now I give the floor to His Excellency, Her Excellency, the distinguished delegate of Guinea. Guinea [2:18:15]: Thank you. Madam Chair. I wish to congratulate you and your office on your election to chair this First Committee. I wish to assure you of the support of the Ghanaian delegation. My country associates itself with the statements delivered by the African Group in the Non Aligned Movement and I wish to deliver the following remarks in my national capacity. Madam Chair, the Republic of guinea observes with regret that the threat to international peace and security continues to grow at an alarming pace which is punctuated by the unbridled arms race, modernization of nuclear arsenals, including with the use of AI and threat of use of nuclear weapons. In 2024, global military expenditures have reached a new record, thereby marking the 10th consecutive year of increases in these expenditures. This compromises development efforts and accelerated attempts to achieve sustainable development in an accelerated manner. In this context, we are committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the UN and to international law and we advocate the complete elimination of nuclear weapons in accordance with obligations emanating from international legal instruments and those related to the commitments adopted under the Pact for the Future. My delegation calls the relevance of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty as a critical tool and a cornerstone of the global disarmament and non proliferation architecture. In light of the successive failures of the NPT Review Conference and we cherish the hope that the Conference scheduled to be held in 2026 will result in the adoption of a consensus based document. We also recognize the key role of nuclear weapons free zones in the enhancement of the disarmament and non proliferation regime. In this regard, we reiterate our commitment to the Pelindaba Treaty and we invite other regents who have not yet done so to align themselves with this. While bearing in mind the importance of ongoing respect for the inalienable right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, we are counting on the central role of the IAEA in delivering technical support and cooperation. To conclude, Madam Chair, my delegation firmly believes that together, within a revived multilateral framework, we can build a safer and more peaceful world, a world without nuclear weapons. To that end, we reaffirm our commitment to continue to cooperate fully with all stakeholders. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:20:59]: I thank the distinguished representative of Guinea. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana. Ghana [2:21:07]: Thank you, Madam. Ghana aligns this statement with those of the African Group and the Nine Aligned Movement and renews its deliberate, clear and ambiguous, long standing national position and commitment against nuclear weapons. Since its establishment, the United nations has placed nuclear disarmament at the heart of its mandate for international peace and security. It began with the very first resolution adopted by the General assembly in 1946 which called for the establishment of a commission to deal with problems raised by discovery of atomic energy, including proposals for elimination of atomic weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. That early initiative captured the determination of the international community in the aftermath of Hiroshima, Nagasaki to ensure that humanity would never again face such devastation. Yet eight decades later, the broader vision of set forth set forth that first resolution remains unrealized. Instruments such as General Assembly Resolution of 1961 which declared the use of nuclear weapons contrary to the principles of United nations and international law were powerful in the intent but limited in effect. They reflected a world united in moral conviction but divided in implementation. The same paralysis that stalled the progress then continues to constrain multilateral disarmament efforts today. Instead of advancing world Instead of advancing towards a total elimination of nuclear weapons, we are witnessing troubling signs of regression. The continued modernization of arsenals, reaffirming of deterrence doctrines, erosion of long standing arms control agreement risks dismantling decades of hard won progress and deepening mistrust among States. Madam Chair, the enduring imbalance among the three pillars of the Treaty of Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons continues to erode confidence in its effectiveness. Equal attention must be given to disarmament, non profile and the peaceful use of nuclear energy if NPT is to retain its legitimacy as a universal framework for security, security and development. We urge nuclear Weapon States to honor their commitments and moral responsibilities under Article 4 of the NPT. Uphold the undertakings made at the 1955 sorry 1995-2010 review conferences and demonstrate genuine political will through practical, transparent and verifiable measures leading to the complete elimination of their nuclear arsenals. Renewed dialogue among nuclear weapons states is essential to rebuild trust, reduce strategic tensions and prevent further erosions of the global disarmament framework. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:24:04]: Madam Chair, I thank the distinguished representative of Ghana. Holy See · Permanent Observer [2:24:12]: And now I give the floor to His Excellency, Permanent observer of Holy See. Thank you, Madam Chair. 80 years have passed since the first nuclear test in New Mexico and the devastation caused by the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The suffering and destruction inflicted by these events serve as a sobering and enduring reminder of the catastrophic potential of these weapons. Today, the the world is witnessing an alarming resurgence in rhetoric threatening to use of nuclear weapons, accompanied by renewed efforts to expand arsenals. Such developments, often justified by the flawed logic of deterrence, risk, entrenching fear and further destabilize international security. Peace cannot be built on the threat of total destruction or on the illusion that stability can emerge from mutual potential annihilation, as this is both morally indefensible and strategically unsustainable. Even more concerning is the integration of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and cyber technologies into nuclear command, control and deployment systems. These innovations shorten decision making windows, reduce human oversight and increase the risk of miscalculation and error. Incorporating such emerging technologies into nuclear weapons introduces an unprecedented level of uncertainty. Madam Chair, the OLSE affirms its unwavering conviction that efforts to control limitations, reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons are not an unrealistic prospect, but a possibility and an urgent moral imperative. In this period, all nuclear armed states are urged to fulfill their obligation under Article 6 of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to negotiate in good faith with the aim of reducing and ultimately eliminating destruction stockpiles. Furthermore, the OLSE urges states to join the NPT and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to advance. Complementary measures included the entry into force of the ctbt, the negotiation of a treaty on fissile materials and the strengthening of robust verification and assistance mechanisms. Madam Chair, the enormous resources devoted to armaments while so many continue to suffer, constitute a profound moral defeat. True security lies in protecting life. The international community must commit to a human centered vision of security grounded in respect for the dignity of every person. Thank you, Madam Chair. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:27:20]: I think His Excellency, the distinguished representative of the Holy See. And now I would like to inform the meeting that the committee has heard the last speaker under the cluster of nuclear weapons. Distinguished delegates, I shall now call on delegations who have requested the Right of reply May I remind members that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to four and a half minutes for the first intervention and two and a half minutes for the second intervention. Now I call on the representative of China, China [2:28:05]: Madam Chair, in response to certain countries continued distortion and smearing of China's nuclear policy and defense modernization at first, let me make the following points. First, China has always kept its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security. China has never participated in any nuclear arms race and will never do so in the future. China's enhancement of strategic capabilities is out of the need to replace outdated equipment to ensure the reliability and security of nuclear arsenal and also to respond to new developments. As a certain country upgrades its nuclear triad, strengthens extended deterrence, builds global missile defense systems and forward deploys strategic capabilities. It is about modernizing China's national defense and armed forces in the context of the current volatile security landscape. Our efforts are conducive to maintaining global and regional strategic stability. China's limited nuclear capability is purely defensive in nature. No country will be threatened by China's nuclear weapons so long as it does not use nuclear weapons against China. Second, China consistently pursues a nuclear strategy of second self defense and the no first use policy. As President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized, nuclear weapons must never be used in nuclear war must never be fought. Whether during the Cold War era when facing nuclear threats and blackmail, or today amid severe external security challenges, China's nuclear strategy and policy has remained highly stable, continuous and predictable. Arbitrarily questioning China's long standing nuclear policy is dangerous and irresponsible and constitutes a source of strategic risk in itself. Third, nuclear transparency must take into full account differences among nuclear weapon states in terms of the size of nuclear forces, nuclear strategy and policy and strategic security environment. As China commits to the no first use policy, it is crucial to maintain appropriate ambiguity regarding the number of nuclear weapons to ensure the effectiveness of limited nuclear deterrence. This helps enhance the credibility of China's no first use policy. To require nuclear weapons states to implement exactly the same nuclear transparency measures would give an unfair strategic advantage to the state possessing the largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal. While pursuing a first use policy, this would severely undermine strategic stability and lead to strategic risks. Fourth, the international community has long reached a consensus on the sequencing of nuclear disarmament. At this stage, demanding that China join trilateral negotiations on nuclear arms control is neither reasonable or realistic. The so called trilateral nuclear arms control narrative essentially shifts the special and priority responsibility for nuclear disarmament away from the country possessing the largest nuclear arsenal and will only disrupt follow up arrangements upon expiration of the New START Treaty. Let me emphasize that China always stands for complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons and actively participates in disarmament related discussions under the NPT, the P5 mechanism and the CD as it served as coordinator of the PFAP Mechanism. China has actively promoted exchanges on nuclear policies and the reduction of strategic risks. China encourages nuclear weapons states to to actively explore concluding a treaty on mutual no first use of nuclear weapons or issuing a political declaration on this matter and calls for the early conclusion of an international legal instrument on negative security assurances. These represent China's concrete actions in advancing nuclear disarmament. Fifth, the moratorium idea is of limited practical use. Some nuclear weapons states can freely transfer fissile materials among themselves to nuclear weapons. States committed to the moratorium have collaborated with a non nuclear weapon state on nuclear submarines involving the transfer of several tons of weapons grade fissile material. That makes the moratorium idea such a hypocritical one. The moratorium idea lacks a crystal clear definition and scope and cannot be verified and therefore has limited practical use. Thank you, Madam Chair. Chair [2:32:15]: I now call on the representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [2:32:21]: Madam Chair, once again we are compelled to take the floor and exercising our right to reply. In connection with the repeated statements delivered by a number of Western delegations which distort the position of the Russian Federation on the nuclear problem the Kryn Peninsula we are appalled at the fact that a number of colleagues continue to talk about in this context of certain goal of denuclearization of the dprk. At the same time, there are absurd recriminations raining down on Russia Russia for virtually undermining efforts towards the achievement of this goal. This is absurd. In order to understand who is to blame for the situation in the Korean Peninsula, it is important to recall that the goal of denuclearization was set in 1992 jointly by the DPRK and the Republic of Korea. This goal, which in principle was made possible only as a result of the withdrawal of US nuclear weapons from the Peninsula, always had two key components. Element number one, Pyongyang renounced nuclear ambitions and number two, the US de escalates military tensions by abandoning the use of nuclear weapons as an element of pressure on the dprk. It is clear to us who is actually seeking to generate escalation in the nuclear sphere and raising the stakes instead of seeking political diplomatic solutions. The US and their regional allies each year for a half century already have been carrying out a whole, whole spate of large scale military exercises to test myriad offensive scenarios, including the possibility of use of nuclear weapons against the dprk, inter alia. Recently, this nuclear escalation includes the active involvement of the so called UN Command. Essentially, the US is moving towards establishing in the Northeast Asian region of a nuclear alliance with the participation of the Republic of Korea and Japan on the basis of the already existing U.S. south Korean Washington Declaration, the goal of which at this juncture is carrying out the policy of maximum pressure on the dprk. Such a reckless, confrontational and provocative policy by the United States and the Republic of Korea generates a real and exceedingly serious risks to regional security. And this also flies in the face of UN Security Council resolutions specifically vis a vis the lead to less intentions on the Korean Peninsula. Moreover, it undermines the core principle of single and indivisible security, which in turn is pushing Pyongyang towards possession of its own nuclear deterrence capabilities and forces. Under these circumstances, it is absolutely clear that under no circumstances is denuclearization of Korean Peninsula and especially, especially as some Western delegations obstinately call it, denuclearization of dprk. Under no circumstances can this in principle exist for us. This is a closed matter. We wish to draw attention to a certain anniversary. Fifty years ago the General assembly of the UN at the recommendation of the First Committee, adopted a resolution, Resolution 3390B from a Korean Question which set out concrete steps which are necessary to ensure guarantees for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. Key among them includes the dismantlement of the UN command and the withdrawal of all foreign troops who are present in the Republic of Korea under the flag of the UN as well as the replacement of the Agreement on Military Reconciliation with a peace treaty. Insofar as none of the above is a part of the long term plans either of Washington or Seoul, expectations of any comprehensive solution to the nuclear problem of Korean Peninsula in the foreseeable future is unrealistic. Thank you for your attention. Chair [2:36:05]: I now call on the representative of Israel. Israel [2:36:11]: Thank you, Chair. Iran's allegations against Israel are nothing short of absurd. Iran's track record throughout the years is well known as well as its methods of deceit and its non compliance with every single international obligation it had made. In this meeting we witnessed once again Iran's attempt to fool the international community to distort and to shift attention from its own criminal mischief. Despite everything IA reports and resolutions, the clear factual evidence and the truth, Iran still thinks it can sit here and call for a world free of nuclear weapons and expect all of us to fall in its trap. As IA Board of Governors resolutions clearly state that Iran is in breach of its non proliferation obligations and that it fails to provide credible explanations for the presence of substances like uranium which impacts the correctness and completeness of its declarations. Its representatives sit here and make accusations and demand to others. This hall sadly has no windows, so the irony has nowhere to jump out to Chair Nothing, repeat nothing in Iran's military nuclear program is devoted to peaceful purposes. Iran's major nuclear facilities were originally undeclared, including Natanz and Fordeaux. The the last being an underground facility built as an integral part of the Ahmad program. It is absurd to hear Iran referring to facilities under safeguards, a state that employs a long standing policy of concealment and that violates the agency's privileges and immunities, arbitrarily rejecting experienced inspectors and hiding material and equipment. No one in this room, no one can say with a gram of confidence to the iaa safeguards were satisfactorily applied in Iran. Furthermore, Iran has been providing its proxies along the years with ballistic missiles and UAVs clearly means of delivery in clear violation of United Nations Security Council 2231. It's a member State of the United nations that arms its proxies with the most lethal weapons and with WMDs. If it only had the chance. In light of all this and in light of alarming developments with regard to its military nuclear program and ballistic missile program, Israel initiated Operation Rising Line to neutralize an eminent and existential threat fueled by Iran's decades long policy and plan to destroy Israel. We will never stop calling the bluff in deceit. We will stay vigilant, point our finger to this terror regime and never allow it to get its hands on nuclear weapons. Never. We urge Iran to invest resources to provide for its population which is oppressed and suffering instead of investing it in its military nuclear program. I thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:39:08]: I call on the representative of Belarus. Belarus [2:39:16]: Madam Chair, I wish to take this the floor in exercise of the right of reply in connection with the comments that were delivered regarding the Republic of Belarus from the representatives of a number of European states and the delegations of the European Union. I wish to completely Rather, Belarus is completely committed to reinforcement of the NPT and the nuclear non proliferation regime as a whole. Belarus 30 years ago, guided by responsible conscientious approach, made an informed choice to renounce possession of nuclear weapons without any conditions whatsoever. We joined the NPT as a Non nuclear state as we noted previously today, in the absence of reliable security assurances from states and real confidence building measures, the role of nuclear deterrence is growing. Against the backdrop of a significant escalation of military political tensions in the region and the increase on the territory of neighboring states enable NATO state's military capabilities directly proximity in direct proximity to our border, Belarus is compelled to respond to these threats to national security. Cooperation between Belarus and Russia in the nuclear sphere does not pose a threat to third countries. It is being carried out strictly in line with international law as well as the provisions of the npt. It is important to emphasize here that such cooperation is not anything new. It has been long practiced, for example through NATO in the format of so called joint nuclear missions and nuclear sharing and the placement of nuclear weapons on non nuclear states. NATO states in Europe we will not comment on the politicized statements delivered addressed regarding Belarus. Let us recall that we are discussing matters under the thematic cluster and we think it is not acceptable for there to be discussions on co complicity in military aggression. Our position about this was repeatedly voiced at various levels, both within the Republic, both by the Republic of in Belarus and at the international organizations. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:41:26]: I call on the representative of Syrian Arab Republic. Syrian Arab Republic [2:41:33]: Thank you. Madam Chair. I asked for the floor to respond to what has been stated about the implementation of Syria to the IAEA safeguards agreement. In this vein, I would like to clarify that the government of Syria addresses all what we have received or inherited from the past regime which burdens our shoulders. But we are keen to our international commitments. In this vein, we cooperate with the IAEA in all matters and in all fields pertinent to the safeguards. His Excellency the President has received the Director General of the IAEA and they have both discussed means of cooperation in all pending matters and the current cooperation between the two parties in line with Syria's commitments to the safeguards agreement signed with the Agency and the npt. The real danger that threatens non proliferation in the Middle east is the possession of the Israeli occupation entity of nuclear facilities and a nuclear program that is not subject to the IAEA safeguards system. They continue to refuse subjecting those facilities to the safeguards agreement. They reject any accession to the NPT as a non nuclear weapons state. Thank you. Chair [2:43:07]: I now call on the representative of Iran. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:43:13]: Madam Chair, over the past two weeks my delegation has spoken at length both in our statements and in several write of replies exposing the baseless allegations against Iran's peaceful nuclear program. You have also made it clear that the action of the three European countries on the same so called snapback issue is illegal and that Resolution 2231 reached its termination on October 18 exactly as stipulated in its timeline. This fact is not subject to interpretation, it is written into the resolution itself. The Security Council's Record confirmed that E3 notification lacks legal validity and that any claim of reviving terminated resources resolution is void of an issue over the past two weeks my delegation also has also spoken at length exposing the absurd allegations of the Israeli regime against Iran. Madam Chair, distinguished colleagues, the root cause of the Middle East's instability is the Israeli regime's occupation, apartheid, terrorism, genocide and WMDs. Yet it diverts attention through disinformation against Iran, like a man searching for lost keys under a street lamp while ignoring the place where he actually dropped them. I strongly remind the Israeli regime representative to stop shedding crocodile tears for the Iranian people while Basim Gaza in blood Madam Chair, given that NPT member states including Australia, Bulgaria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain rely on extended US Nuclear deterrence while making baseless and politically motivated claims against Iran's peaceful nuclear program and failing even to condemn the attack on Iran's safeguarded nuclear facilities, the hypocrisy and inconsistency in their approach are self evident. By attempting to justify the blatant breach of Article 1, 2 and 6 of the NPT to through NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements, these states seek to legitimize what is in fact a clear violation of the treaty's obligation. My delegation therefore wishes to underscore the throughout the general debate and cluster one discussions, NATO member states have repeatedly asserted that nuclear sharing has been accepted by NPT state parties. This claim is categorically false. The historical record clearly shows that nuclear sharing was a major point of contention during the negotiations of the NPT. Article 1 and 2 were outcome of a lengthy and deliberate negotiations drafted precisely to close any loopholes that could enable the proliferation of nuclear weapons through military alliances. The issue did not end with the 1960s. Nuclear sharing has remained a recurrent subject of dispute throughout subsequent NPT review conferences, reflecting its ongoing legal and political sensitivity. To claim otherwise is to distort the historical record and disregard the obligations that NATO states have voluntary until undertaken under the treaty. In short, these delegations efforts to rewrite history and legitimize nuclear sharing are legally baseless, historically inaccurate and diplomatically indefensible. I thank you Madam Chair. United States of America [2:47:16]: I now call on the Representative of the United States Chair, thank you for the floor. Regarding remarks made during the nuclear cluster about risk reduction and nuclear doctrines, the Trump Administration has been clear about the great importance of mitigating the risks of nuclear conflict. Nuclear risk reduction measures can serve as critical and pragmatic tools to help us advance our collective interest in keeping our countries safer from a potential nuclear conflict. No country should accept the assertion that a proclaimed and and completely unverifiable no first use policy is a sufficient substitute for risk reduction. Likewise, a treaty on no first use should not be considered an effective measure relating to nuclear disarmament within the meaning of NPT Article 6. As a practical matter, a simple no first use policy is an empty statement absent transparency surrounding nuclear forces, plans and procedures. Without answers to concrete questions about these topics, we must conclude this rhetorical, unverifiable policy is not credible as the basis for a treaty negotiation. Furthermore, this proposal is premised entirely on trust. Yet the country espousing this policy itself claims it cannot engage in arms control talks with the United States because of a lack of trust. Turning to another matter, Chair, I will not repeat the intervention made during the general debate by Australia regarding Aukus, but I would like to draw colleagues attention back to that statement with which the United States fully aligns Aukus is fully consistent with our non proliferation obligations, including relevant Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty and IAEI safeguards obligations. It does not include any collaboration on nuclear weapons. Chair on another matter, it is astonishing to hear a country defend the DPRK's destabilizing weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in violation of a host of UN Security Council resolutions that that country supported. And finally, Chair and to end on a slightly more upbeat note, I would like to provide some information relating to comments raised by several delegations throughout this discussion about nuclear command and control and make the US Commitment on this matter very clear. The United States remains committed to maintain a human in the loop for all actions critical to informing and executing decisions by the President to initiate and terminate nuclear weapons employment. We stand by the commitment made alongside the UK and France to maintain human control for all actions critical to informing and executing sovereign decisions concerning nuclear weapons. Thank you Chair. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:50:24]: I call on the representative of France. France [2:50:29]: Thank you, Madam Chair. France wishes to exercise our right to reply in connection with the subject of the nuclear the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. The NPT remains, more than 50 years after its entry into force, the cornerstone of the non proliferation regime and nuclear disarmament and it remains remains one of the most universal treaties in the world. The NPT is the sole instrument that can prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons while at the same time providing each party with the benefits of peaceful use of nuclear energy. This also represents the only collective framework allowing for credible engagement towards a nuclear weapons free world. France shares this objective on the basis of an approach towards progressive realistic disarmament which is based on taking into account the strategic context. Nuclear disarmament is not something that can be decreed. It is something that is built alongside all nuclear weapons and non nuclear weapon states who share a responsibility to creating conducive conditions for nuclear disarmament. The track record of the NPT in terms of preservation of strategic stability is remarkable insofar it resulted in significant reduction in the number of states acquiring the nuclear weapon. By contrast, Madam Chair, the tpnw, far from reinforcing the disarmament and non proliferation architecture, undermines the NPT by promoting a competitive approach which is punctuated by significant shortcomings. It is incompatible with the realistic approach which underpins the npt. The TPNW is not adapted to the international security context which is characterized by growing tensions, an approach of greater competitivity and proliferation of and possible proliferation of wmd. By setting a goal of disarmament which is unrelated to the strategic realities, the TPNW turns out to be not viable. It fails to reflect the political and technical requirements which are highly complex relating to elimination of nuclear weapons. It does not provide for any of the guarantees of the NPT against the the nuclear weapons proliferation as it currently stands. It does not prevent any non nuclear weapons state from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Furthermore, because the TPNW does not provide for any robust verification measure, the implementation thereof remains theoretical in nature and it is impossible to verify in practice. In light of these very serious shortcomings, the TPNW is in no way can be regarded as an effective disarmament instrument under Article 6 of the NPT. Madam Chair, thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:53:48]: I call on the representative of the rok. Republic of Korea · Permanent Representative [2:53:55]: Thank you. Madam Chair. The Republic of Korea would like to exercise its right of reply in response to the comments made by Russia in response to Russia's misleading claims on the defense cooperation between Iraq and U.S. we reiterate that the ROK U.S. combined defense and defense posture is a response to DPRK's ever growing military threats and the DPRK has continued to develop its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Agile security strategy threatened the RK's maintaining the RK U. S combined defense and deterrence posture, including the conduct of combined training and exercises. This posture constitutes a legal, legitimate and defensive response to protect the lives and safety of our people and to contribute to regional peace and stability. And on Russia's baseless claims on the situation of Korean Peninsula. We express our deep concern over the comments made by Russia. The denuclearization of the DPIK is not a close issue, but ongoing one that must be addressed through dialogue and cooperation. We would like to highlight that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, they adopted a number of resolutions on the DPIK and one of the countries that led the efforts to build a global nonprofit region. Russia has a significant responsibility to uphold the integrity of the international non preparation architecture. In this regard, it is disappointing that Russia now seems to be abandoning its obligations. We urge them to promptly cease such illegal activities. Moreover, on the contrary to what has been claimed by Russia, the United nations command, established under UN Security Council Resolution 84 in response to the DPRK's armed attack has contributed to maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula through implementing, managing and imposing the terms of the 1953 Armistice Agreement. And also it would be regrettable that the Russia continued its effort to justify the military cooperation between Russia and DPRK which is evident that such cooperation, including dispatch of the DPRK troops, constitutes a violation of international norms, including the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. Such cooperation seriously undermines international peace and stability and we urge Russia and the DPRK to immediately seize their unlawful military cooperation. I thank you Madam Chair. Chair [2:56:35]: I call on the representative of dprk. Democratic People's Republic of Korea [2:56:41]: Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation is compelled to take the floor in response to the groundless and misleading accusations made by the US, Iraq, Japan and some EU member states. DPRK's possession of nuclear weapons is clearly stipulated in its Constitution and any accusation against the DPRK's possession of nuclear deterrence is a serious infringement upon the sovereignty and an intolerable interference into the internal affairs of the My delegation once again emphasizes that the right to self defense which is recognized by international law cannot be put into question or put on the table by anyone in any circumstances and there will be no compromise in that respect. It is well known fact that the U.S. the 1 and the only user of nuclear weapons in the world, the world's biggest proliferator of nuclear weapons is a typical nuclear threat entity that is bringing a nuclear crisis to the Korean Peninsula, Europe and other parts of the world through unlimited nuclear arms build up and reckless nuclear war drill. Defying the grave concern of the international Community. The US and its regional allies conducted large scale joint military exercises against the DPRK such as Freedom Shield, ulgip, Freedom Shield and Freedom each this year. Even more serious is the fact that the Nuclear Operations Guidelines presupposing the use of nukes against our state has entered the stage of more practical and concrete implementation. Such military move of the US and its regional allies on the Korean Peninsula is an open threat to the security of DPRK and a grave provocation that raises the military tension in the region to an extremely dangerous level. We will never tolerate the attempt to unilaterally change the present position of the DPRK and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. The IRK is talking about that they are not hostile against the TPRK while they are expanding and strengthening the war rehearsals for aggression against the dprk. And they are talking about the improvement of relations and peace while they are totally denying our system and constitution by openly insisting on the denuclearization of dprk. DPRK will not deal with ROK at all and will do nothing together with Roku. Madam Chair, once again I emphasize that the friendly cooperation between the dpr, UK and Russian Federation is just and legal which completely meets the words and spirits of treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between DPRK and Russian Federation as well as international laws. Thank you, Madam Chair. GA 1st Committee · Chair [2:59:27]: I now give the floor to the delegation of Belgium. Belgium [2:59:34]: Belgium wishes to exercise its right of reply to the honorable delegation of Iran regarding its critique on the nuclear sharing arrangements in the framework of NATO. NATO is a defensive alliance and its nuclear sharing arrangements are a key component that exists from for over 60 years. It relies on US nuclear weapons for war deployed in Europe and US maintains full custody and control over these nuclear weapons. Belgium would like to remind the honorable delegation of Iran that contrary to what it claimed here in this room, these sharing arrangements were well known to all negotiating parties and accounted for in the NPT negotiations In conformity with the npt. These nuclear sharing arrangements do not imply the transfer of nuclear weapons from US to other allies. As stated in our national statement. Belgium remains committed to the NPT as a cornerstone of the global non proliferation regime and disarmament architecture. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [3:00:29]: I now call on the representative of South Africa. South Africa [3:00:34]: Madam Chair, it is concerning that the TPNW continues to be misrepresented in the statements by some and as current president of the tpnw, some South Africa deems it necessary to exercise a right of reply. In this regard, the TPNW represents the highest non proliferation commitment any state can make. It allows the opportunity for those states that are not located in nuclear free zones to join an instrument that expresses their total opposition to nuclear weapons. It is therefore deeply ironic that the very states that claim to be the champions of nuclear disarmament and non proliferation seek to attack an instrument that seeks to advance them. We reaffirm that the TPNW represents the highest non proliferation commitment any state can make and its full complementarity to the NPT and other treaties. In addition, the TPNW states are all in good standing in NPT, unlike those that have consistently failed in implementing their nuclear disarmament obligations. Lest we forget, both the NPT and the TPNW are motivated by the catastrophic humanitarian consequences associated with nuclear weapons due to their indiscriminate nature and potential to annihilate humanity. This is clearly reflected in the preamble of the NPT which acknowledges, I quote, the devastation that would be visited upon all humankind by a nuclear war. The TPNW's provisions provide further impetus to nuclear disarmament and non proliferation at a time when the nuclear disarmament and non proliferation architecture is under increased strain. They further create a legal framework that helps implement Article 6 of the NPT as an effective measure to achieve a nuclear free world. Just as the other pillars of the NPT rely on subsequent treaties to implement them, the NPT's disarmament pillar requires a prohibition norm for its implementation. Prohibitions on anti personnel mines, biological weapons and chemical weapons follow the same logic. Joining the NPW is Also consistent with Action 1 of 2010 NPT Action Plan which calls on all states parties to the NPT to pursue policies that are fully compatible with the treaty and the objective of achieving a world without nuclear weapons. The fact that the TPNW now enjoys the support of global majority in terms of signature and ratifications is a demonstration of the determination of the elimination of nuclear weapons. We therefore like to see a more constructive approach towards the TPNW and its states parties. To this end we stand ready to dialogue, not least through the TPNW's dedicated complementary coordinator to enable better understanding of the TPNW's important contribution to the nuclear disposal, disarmament and non proliferation regime which is self evident. I thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [3:03:30]: I now call on the representative of Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial Guinea [3:03:36]: Gracias. Thank you Madam Chair. The NPT has demonstrated its effectiveness. However, the problem is that today there's an imbalance, namely the fact that nuclear weapons states wish to be the guarantors which puts them in a favorable position. There's a need to recognize this reality. This generates a real moral contradiction. Some parties wish to justify the existence of nuclear arsenals. At the same time the country requests that others disarm. And they replicate an approach of domination. An approach which in the past stripped entire peoples of their dignity. Some fail to understand and I'm a descendant of slaves. And this is the same slavery related mentality which prevails today. We need justice, we need equity. We need mutual trust, not threats among countries. Thank you. GA 1st Committee · Chair [3:04:43]: The following delegation is unable to exercise their right of reply due to time constraints. The ROK we will hear them tomorrow as the first speaker to exercise the right of reply the next morning. Distinguished delegates, we have exhausted the time available for this meeting. The committee will reconvene tomorrow morning in this conference room to begin the thematic discussion under the cluster of weapons of mass destruction. The meeting is a church.