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Mr. Chairman, Lithuania associates itself with the Joint Statement delivered by Australia on behalf of a group of countries on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. Allow me to address a few issues of particular importance to my country. Lithuania stands committed to the NPT as an essential foundation for the nuclear disarmament, cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, and the basis for development of peaceful applications of nuclear technology. Three mutually reinforcing pillars of the NPT should be promoted in a balanced manner to further enhance its credibility and integrity.

Lithuania reiterates its commitment to the goal of nuclear disarmament and the world free of nuclear weapons. As a non-nuclear weapon State, Lithuania stresses the importance of confidence building measures, reciprocal transparency and effective verification as integral and essential parts of nuclear arms control and disarmament. This process should be inclusive and balanced. Until we reach this goal, effective measures related to nuclear arms control and further disarmament, including reduction of the global stockpile of nuclear weapons, remain of utmost importance.

In this regard, Lithuania welcomes the agreement by the E3/EU+3 and Iran on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding Iran’s nuclear issue. Lithuania voted in favour of the Security Council resolution 2231 endorsing this deal and believes that, if implemented fully and in good faith, it offers a real and verifiable path to resolve this dispute. It also marks an important victory for multilateralism and proves that sustained pressure by the international community can create conditions that bring parties to the negotiating table and keep them engaged.

Humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons use as well as their devastating immediate and long term impact are a matter of very serious concern. Our collective efforts on nuclear arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation are motivated by deep understanding of the catastrophic consequences of the use of nuclear weapons. Yet in order to make real progress we need to maintain inclusive approach, avoid fragmentation of the international community and involve all states, including those in possession of nuclear weapons.

The only viable way to nuclear disarmament is through persistent practical work that takes into account humanitarian but also security considerations. The international community already has a framework of mutually reinforcing and complementary treaties, institutions and commitments in support of achieving and maintaining a world without nuclear weapons. It must be strengthened. The next vital steps must be the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and immediate start of the negotiations on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). 

We also remain concerned over the serious ramifications of the conflict in Ukraine to the NPT and the disarmament process as a whole. In 1994, Ukraine joined the NPT as a non-nuclear weapon State after agreeing to remove all nuclear weapons from its territory. In exchange the nuclear weapon states, including the Russian Federation, reaffirmed their commitment to respect the independence, sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine and guaranteed that none of their weapons will ever be used against Ukraine. By illegally occupying Crimea and destabilising the situation in the country Russian Federation has violated these obligations set out in the Budapest memorandum. Lithuania continues to urge the Russian Federation to respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the denuclearized status of the occupied Crimea.

Mr. Chairman,

In addition to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, we also share the objective of increasing nuclear security, since new and remaining challenges, such as nuclear terrorism, continue to confront the international community.

Lithuania continues to implement its commitments on prevention of nuclear terrorism undertaken at the Nuclear Security Summits in Seoul and The Hague by building national capacities and strengthening cooperation with other countries and international organizations in the fight against illicit trafficking of nuclear or other radioactive material.

In preparation for the Washington Nuclear Security Summit in 2016, Lithuania held the four-day Sherpa Meeting in Vilnius on 29 June - 2 July 2015. The meeting brought together 130 high-ranking officials from 48 countries along with representatives from the UN, IAEA, EU and INTERPOL. Furthermore, Lithuania’s Nuclear Security Centre of Excellence, as a national capacity building and training venue, continues to expand its international outreach, hosting international seminars and study visits. We are grateful for the continuous support from our partners in its work.

To conclude, Mr. Chairman, let me assure you of Lithuania’s commitment to remain actively involved in working with partners to strengthen international co-operation in the nuclear field.

Thank you.