Mr. President,

May I first congratulate you on your election as President of this Conference and assure you of the support of the Czech Republic for your work at this post. Allow me also to take this opportunity to express appreciation for Mexico's endeavour towards the success of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

The Czech Republic aligned itself with the statement made by Belgium on behalf of the European Union and the associated countries. Let me complement the collective position of the EU which we fully share by several points my country deems important to emphasize.

The Czech Republic has consistently been in favor of realistic and efficient steps aimed both at preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery means and at progressing gradually towards global nuclear disarmament. That is why, in our view, the effective and verifiable cessation of nuclear weapons test explosions and their prohibition as provided by the CTBT continue to be indispensable steps. That is also why we need the Treaty to enter into force as soon as possible and that is also the reason for us to meet here.

Mr. President,

The CTBT does well for an international treaty that has not yet entered into force: the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization regularly convenes and deliberates constructively, ratifiers and signatories contribute both in terms of human resources, know-how and finance, the international monitoring system and inspection régime are continuously built up. The work of the Provisional Technical Secretariat which has grown into an efficient and well managed institution is impressive and commendable. Perhaps most importantly, the moratorium on nuclear tests has been respected since 1998.

Nevertheless, these achievements are not irreversible. Reducing financial support for or even withdrawing from preparatory activities under the PrepCom would undercut the common efforts. We need to complete the construction so that the purposes of the Treaty are fully met. The entry into force is the most efficient way of deterring anyone from resuming nuclear tests. We also believe that the ongoing global fight against terrorism which the Czech Republic supports politically and materially should also entail increased efforts in nuclear non?proliferation. The CTBT is an important part of it and we hope our partners realize that.

Mr. President,

Since our first conference in October 1999 we have made a tangible progress towards entry into force and universality of the Treaty. Indeed, we are encouraged by the 161 signatures and 84 ratifications as of today. However, this is not enough in terms of the compelling mechanics of the Treaty.

Regretting that the CTBT, open for signature since 1996, has not entered into force so far, we are all well aware of the critical condition for that to happen. Let me underscore the responsibility of all those belonging to the group of the 44 states who have to yet ratify or even sign the Treaty. We are still missing signatures of three and ratifications of thirteen states belonging to this group. In this respect we are convinced that the ratification by the two nuclear weapon states which have thus far limited themselves to signing is what the future of the CTBT hinges upon.

Mr. President,

The purpose of this Conference is not only to take stock of the progress made but primarily to discuss how to maintain and reinforce the political momentum in progressing towards the entry into force. Certainly, one avenue is for the Provisional Technical Secretariat to continue the commendable outreach activities, including holding International Cooperation Workshops, and for nations to continue supporting the ratification process through political dialogue with non-signatories and non-ratifiers. My country has been appealing on non-signatories and non-ratifiers both individually and collectively, together with the European Union. I want to assure you, Mr. President, of our support for your further work in co-ordinating the efforts aimed at facilitating the entry into force. I also appreciate the efforts made by Japan in this respect.

Lastly, let me observe that Article XIV of the CTBT provides for a useful mechanism and conferences to facilitate the Treaty's entry into force. Nevertheless, we continue hoping that we will not need to convene too often for too long. The next NPT Review Conference is the farthest time-horizon by which we should all feel compelled to. bring the Treaty not only into force but also into full operation.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, let me assure you of the continued commitment of the Czech Republic to the CTBT and its entry into force. You can count on the Czech Republic as one of the earliest signatories and ratifiers, a regular contributor both with money and know-how and a willing supporter of all viable efforts towards having the Treaty meet its purpose.

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
 

Sources

• http://www.un.org/webcast/ctbt/statements/czechE.htm