Mr. President,

Allow me at the outset, on behalf of the Republic of Slovenia, to congratulate you on your election as the Chairman of this important Conference. Slovenia stands ready to provide full cooperation in your efforts.

Mr. President,

Slovenia considers the dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction as one of the most dangerous threats to peace and stability at the global as well as the regional level. In this regard we see the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the most important steps in the process of strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime and the basis for the entire set of disarmament and nonproliferation issues.

In the post-cold war period, the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and arms control became one of the crucial pillars of international security. The recent barbaric terrorist attacks against the United States, which were assaults on humanity and democracy, draw our attention to the paramount importance of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and technologies for their delivery. The threat of possession of these extremely dangerous weapons and materials in the hands of terrorist groups and individuals is the most acute concern. Therefore, our response to the new threats, which do not exclude any region or state, has to be universal and persistent. Strict and comprehensive implementation of existing nonproliferation regimes and treaties and efficient control over the movements of dangerous materials and technologies must take place. In this regard it is our obligation and need to accelerate the process of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, as one of the most important elements in this field, entering into force.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has a universal character and a regional impact as well. We have to bear in mind that further delay of the entering into force of the Treaty may have global consequences - not only in the form of a permanent nuclear threat to the human race, but it could also undermine global and regional achievements and systematic approaches in the field of arms control and nonproliferation. The universal character of the Treaty's provisions provides security for all and should leave no place for excuses based on national security needs and regional political-security environments.

In September 1996, after long and difficult negotiations, the General Assembly adopted the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty by an overwhelming majority. Both the adoption of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the State Parties to the Nonproliferation Treaty made a historical step in the field of nuclear nonproliferation. Slovenia firmly supports a positive approach to international security based on confidence and transparency, and was therefore among the first countries to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in 1996, which it ratified in 1999. As a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and Zangger Committee, Slovenia has confirmed its policy of nuclear nonproliferation, including the policy of the nonproliferation of biological and chemical weapons.

It is our common obligation to continue the process of arms control and nonproliferation, which has resulted - in particular during the past decade - in numerous important treaties and arrangements. We must seize the opportunity and make this Conference a success that will result in the prohibition of all nuclear test explosions once and for all. We are aware that adherence to and the ratification process of the Treaty is not satisfactory, and Slovenia calls upon all States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the Treaty as soon as possible. In particular, we call upon the States listed in Annex 2 to the Treaty, whose adherence is required for the Treaty to enter into force.

We have to reiterate our concern, expressed on the first Conference on facilitating the entry into force of the Treaty in Vienna in 1999, that three States among those whose ratification is required for the Treaty to enter into force have not yet signed the Treaty. We sincerely hope that they will soon take this important step.

It is essential that the States remain committed to the Treaty's basic principles and refrain from acts that could erode the Treaty's purpose before its entry into force. We are aware of the complexities of the process of the Treaty's entering into force, bearing in mind ongoing negotiations on various security issues. But, as I have already pointed out, we have to be aware of the potential consequences and negative impact in the event that the Treaty fails to enter into force.

However, in assessing the present situation we must note that global support for the CTBT is overwhelming, and has resulted in a number of ratifications and signatories. The Treaty in its present state is contributing significantly to the effort to create a new global security environment based on universal arrangements that are supported by extensive monitoring and verification measures. The International Monitoring System, established with significant technical and financial investment by the international community, provides considerable information and acts as a safeguard for compliance with the Treaty. Slovenia attaches great importance to the functioning of the monitoring and verification system. In compliance with the obligations of the Treaty, the Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration has been designated the national authority for the implementation of the Treaty.

Mr. President,

Slovenia is a member of relevant international control regimes in the field of nuclear materials and technologies, and is committed to the principles of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as clearly demonstrated by the activities implemented in this field. Together with other ratifying and signatory States, we too expect and trust that others will continue to adhere to that policy as well, and that they will fulfill their share of responsibilities.

Thank you for your attention.
 
 

Sources

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