Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Mario Nobilo, State Secretary for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia, at the Conference on Facilitating the Entry Into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Treat-Ban Treaty.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, let me join previous speakers in congratulating Her Excellency the Foreign Minister of Mexico and His Excellency the Foreign Minister of Sweden on their election as presidents of this Conference.
I am confident that their leadership will steer us toward a successful outcome of the Conference and I would like to assure you of our full support and co-operation throughout.
Allow me also to express our gratitude to the Secretary General of the UN and to the UN Secretariat for organizing this event. Our deep appreciation goes as well to the Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Ambassador Tibor Toth, and his staff for their dedicated work in building the CTBTO and especially the Treaty's verification regime.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
While Croatia fully subscribes to the statement made previously by the European Union I would like to add a few remarks on a national basis.
Today's meeting is taking place in very symbolic context – we are marking the 15 anniversary of the Treaty's opening for signature, and we emphasize that the CTBT is a major instrument in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Our gathering is crucial for building and sustaining political momentum in support of the Treaty and keeping its entry into force high on the international agenda. Renewed impetus exists today for nuclear disarmament and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
The political will of the international community is evident. A new and positive climate has prevailed, giving new momentum to global disarmament initiatives. I would like to remind that the 2010 NPT Review Conference reaffirmed the CTBT's essential role in the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime and the vital importance of its entry into force. In addition, continued support for the CTBT was underlined last year at the fifth Ministerial Meeting in New York. This has laid the groundwork for a productive today's Article XIV Conference. Also, it is important to maintain a positive outlook for the CTBT going into the next NPT Review Cycle. New dynamics are emerging within the international community, leaving hope for consensus on a number of critical issues.
Up to now Croatia has actively participated at highest political and expert level at conferences facilitating early entry into force of the Treaty. For years Croatian experts give contribution to many CTBTO activities, especially related to strengthening verification regime. Croatian National Data Center is constantly connected to International Monitoring System network.
Being aware of its importance, we have used each opportunity to further advocate the CTBT's cause and to condemn those who are conducting nuclear tests in clear violation and full disregard of international norms.
I would like once more to call upon those states whose ratification is necessary for the entry into force to increase their efforts and help the process of delivering the Treaty.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates
CTBT has already proved its strength and validity among global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regimes.
Croatia highly values all activities of the Provisional Technical Secretariat aiming at completion of the International Monitoring System (IMS) and welcomes strengthening of verification's regime infrastructure.
On this particular occasion, we feel important to re-state Croatia's strong support to the Treaty and its full engagement in the common endeavor aimed at creating the conditions to achieve the CTBT entry into force.
Ministers, Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for your attention.
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