Mr. President,

May I extend my congratulation to you on your election as President of the Second Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We highly appreciate the work carried out by Mexico to prepare this event and, as we expect, its successful outcome. A well-deserved credit goes to Japan as President of the 1999 Conference and an active promoter of the strengthened international co-operation to facilitate the full implementation of the Treaty.
 

Mr. President,

Hungary has aligned herself with the statement delivered by Belgium on behalf of the European Union and the associated countries. We also share the view of those who have underlined the importance and, in these particular times, the urgency of the entry into force of the CTBT. Its conclusion in 1996 constituted a significant achievement in global efforts to reinforce the multilateral non-proliferation regime and to promote nuclear disarmament. The creation of an international norm outlawing all nuclear test explosions in all environments has further strengthened the implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has paved the way for a considerable reduction of the nuclear arsenals.

Being part of the group of States listed in Annex 2 of the Treaty, Hungary is aware of her share of responsibility in contributing to the realization of the goals of this Conference. It is a source of pride and satisfaction to us that my country was among the first to sign and ratify the CTBT. The instruments of ratification were deposited with the Secretary General of the United Nations in July 1999.

As we mark the fifth anniversary of the opening for signature of the Treaty, we cannot but express our regret that it has not yet entered into force and it is thus prevented from having the full potential of its favorable impact on international peace and security. We welcome the increase of over 50 % in the number of ratifications compared with that at the time of the 1999 Conference. At the same time, we wish to put on record our concern that out of the 44 States listed in Annex 2, the ratification by 13 States is still missing. Three States from this group have even not signed the instrument.

The emerging new regime under the CTBT has been significantly enhanced due to the ratification of the Treaty by several Nuclear-Weapon States. We commend Russia for joining France and the United Kingdom, the first members of this group to complete their procedure of ratification. Hungary highly appreciates the signing of the Treaty by the other Nuclear-Weapon States. The unilateral moratoria on nuclear test explosions declared and maintained by them is an important factor of strategic stability. Hungary encourages them to accelerate the ratification processes with a view to the early successful conclusion of these endeavors.

We take note with satisfaction of the expressed willingness of India and Pakistan not to delay the entry into force of the Treaty and call on them to sign and ratify it as soon as possible. We also call on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to do so without further delay.
 
Along with the rapid ratification process, we also attach great importance to the implementation of practical measures to establish a comprehensive and meaningful verification system of the Treaty. We acknowledge the significant progress made in this respect by the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO. Keeping up the present pace of activities represents an essential prerequisite to achieve a timely and effective installation of the verification regime as provided for by the Treaty, in line with the requirements of its entry into force. My Government also lends its full support to the Preparatory Commission to carry out its responsibilities in elaborating the basic financial and administrative framework for the future Organization. Hungary is honored to serve as Chair of Working Group "A" and will continue this work with dedication.
 

Mr. President,

The international community has arrived at a crucial crossroads. The security environment is rapidly changing. New threats and challenges are about to emerge. The increased risk of terrorist attacks emphasizes even more the pressing need for broadly-based multilateral actions in the field of non?proliferation and arms control. The CTBT is a major building block in the system of possible measures. Hungary, therefore, adds her voice to those advocating its early entry into force. It is our common responsibility to work out and adopt solutions in this regard and allow this important legal instrument to become operational for the benefit of international peace and security.
 

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
 

Source

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