76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council meeting on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
Statement by Deputy Foreign Minister of Estonia, Mr Rein Tammsaar
September 27, New York
I thank Ireland for convening this meeting today in support of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. I would also like to thank Ms Nakamitsu, Mr Floyd and Ms Wanyaga for their valuable insights. These were excellent briefings, thank you.
For Estonia, the CTBT is one of the key pillars of the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. The Treaty significantly curbs the ability of states to obtain and further develop nuclear weapons, thus contributing to our common goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.
Regretfully, after 25 year we still cannot celebrate the Treaty’s entry into force. For that, we particularly need the remaining eight Annex 2 States to sign and ratify the Treaty.We urge them to do so without further delay.
Mr President, although the CTBT has not formally entered into force yet, it has established a strong norm against nuclear testing. 185 signatures and 170 ratifications show that almost every member of the United Nations has committed to ending nuclear-testing and reducing the dangers that are posed by nuclear materials and nuclear weapons.
Furthermore, since 1998, all States but one have de facto respected the global norm against nuclear explosions and observed moratorium on nuclear weapons testing. Whenever a nuclear test was conducted, it was strongly and unanimously condemned by the Security Council.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s stated intentions and activities to develop its nuclear and ballistic missile program continue to pose great concern. It is imperative that the DPRK took concrete steps towards a complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. We call on the DPRK to avoid any further provocations and engage in meaningful discussions with all relevant parties to achieve lasting peace and security on the Korean peninsula.
Mr President, the CTBT has also provided the world with a most valuable global monitoring system for nuclear explosions. The International Monitoring System ensures that no clandestine nuclear test will go undetected and the international community is able to respond appropriately and swiftly. As such, the system serves as a strong deterrent against nuclear-testing.
Once the treaty enters into force, additional verification and compliance measures become available. For instance, the Treaty foresees the possibility of on-site inspections that can be requested if there are suspicious activities.
To conclude, the entry into force of the CTBT has clear benefits for international peace and security. Estonia continues to advocate its prompt entry into force. Further ratifications, especially by Annex 2 States, would send an important message of the commitment to end nuclear weapons programs for good.
I thank you, Mr President.