Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis
Senior Advisor for Special Political Affairs
New York, New York
September 27, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. President, for holding today’s briefing. I want to congratulate Ireland and our Irish colleagues as you near the end of an active, successful, productive month as President of the Security Council. And I thank today’s briefers for your valuable insights and your dedication to this issue.
Today’s discussion brings to mind the seminal role Ireland played 60 years ago in reducing the dangers posed by nuclear weapons. The “Irish Resolution” of 1961 led to the creation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, leaving us far more secure and more prosperous than we would be without it. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, it is important to recognize the paramount role of the CTBT, even prior to its entry into force, in establishing and maintaining a nearly universal political norm against nuclear explosive testing.
Let me affirm that the United States supports the CTBT and is committed to working to achieve its entry into force, recognizing the significant challenges that lie ahead in reaching this goal. In line with the goals of the CTBT, the United States continues to observe its zero-yield nuclear explosive testing moratorium, and we call on all states possessing nuclear weapons to declare or reiterate such a moratorium.
Maintaining the international norm against nuclear explosive testing remains in the interest of all states. This norm is essential for sustaining the international non-proliferation regime and contributing to a more peaceful and secure world.
As we look ahead to the future of the CTBT, the United States is committed to taking a leading role in revitalizing international arms control efforts. We welcome engagements with all states who share our commitment to implementing effective measures toward achieving a world without nuclear weapons.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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