For more than fifty years, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been a vital and irreplaceable component of a rules-based global order. We reaffirm the NPT as the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation system and as the foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament and the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. We recall our ongoing efforts to reduce nuclear risks in furtherance of our nuclear disarmament obligations under Article VI of the NPT.
As the Tenth NPT Review Conference begins, we reaffirm its continued importance, and pledge to work positively towards the full implementation of all its provisions and the full realization of its objectives. Among them is the promotion of international peace and security, which we, as NPT nuclear weapon states and as Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, are committed to preserving and promoting.
The leaders of France, the United Kingdom and the United States remain firmly committed to the objectives contained in the statement of 3 January 2022 on the Prevention of Nuclear War and the Avoidance of Arms Races. We recognize and act with a deep understanding that nuclear war cannot be won and cannot be fought. We affirm the high ambition and commitment to preserve the record of non-use of nuclear weapons since 1945. Nuclear weapons, insofar as they exist, should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression and prevent war. We condemn those who would use or threaten to use nuclear weapons for military coercion, intimidation and blackmail. Such actions are extremely dangerous and contrary to the objectives of the NPT and the UN Charter. Following Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, we call on Russia to end its irresponsible and dangerous nuclear rhetoric and behavior, uphold its international commitments, and recommit – in words and deeds – to the principles covered in the recent Preventing Nuclear. Avoiding War and Arms Races Leaders’ Statement.
The NPT has reduced the risk of catastrophic nuclear war, and further reduction of that risk must be a priority for all NPT state parties and this Review Conference. We recognize that this risk is best addressed through concrete, substantive and purposeful steps and through overcoming the strategic, political and technical challenges necessary to achieve a world without nuclear weapons. The working paper we submitted describes the principles and responsibilities of responsible practices for NPT Nuclear weapon States, and shows ways in which our governments will take forward the implementation of the January 3rd statement.
By mandating stronger nuclear safeguards, implemented by the International Atomic Energy Agency to verify non-proliferation undertakings, we recall that the NPT has laid the necessary groundwork to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to share nuclear technology to secure for peaceful purposes. There is great potential for further contribution in the fields of energy, agriculture, health, environment and other fields. We renew our commitment to promote and expand their contribution to sustainable development and combating climate change worldwide.
Previous Review Conferences, and the commitments we made to each other, advanced those common goals, and those commitments remain important. Our governments have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to implement those commitments. At the Tenth Review Conference, we must also continue to look ahead, to identify the most urgent tasks to advance all pillars of the treaty: disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science and technology. Each column represents the shared interest of all NPT Parties, to which everyone can contribute.
We are fully aware of the difficulties we face, and the challenges these three pillars have recently faced. This month, our words, our actions, and the common ground we all build must strengthen the global norms that stem from this Treaty and protect us all. This requires us to join in rejecting irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and reckless attacks that endanger nuclear reactors and related peaceful nuclear facilities. It is the duty of all NPT Parties, whether nuclear weapon States or non-nuclear States, to demonstrate and promote responsible behavior and restraint in fulfilling their obligations. We have, in this regard, recalled our negative and positive security assurances to NPT non-nuclear weapon states and will honor those assurances.
We are committed to addressing regional proliferation crises wherever they arise. We reiterate that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon. We regret that, despite intensive diplomatic efforts, Iran has not yet had the opportunity to restore full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We call on Iran to return to full implementation of the JCPOA and UNSCR 2231 and to urgently cooperate with the IAEA to resolve issues related to Iran’s potential undeclared nuclear material and activities as required under its agreement for NPT-required safeguards. We also note that continued progress in the DPRK’s nuclear and missile programs pose a growing threat to our collective security. We remain committed to the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantling by the DPRK of all its nuclear weapons and call on the DPRK to cease all nuclear testing and launch using ballistic missile technology and related activities as required by multiple Security Council resolutions the UN.
During this Review Conference, we will scrutinize and have a frank debate on all the proposals for advancing the implementation of the Treaty. In this spirit, we pledge our best to uphold law, norms and international institutions and reach a positive, agreed result that will make all States and all their communities richer and more secure.
