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Mr. President, Thank you very much for organizing this briefing on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). The risk of WMDs getting into the hands of non-state actors remains a continuously evolving threat that must be countered in concerted international action with greater robustness, determination and vigilance, with every state doing its part. Nowadays terrorist groups and illicit networks turn to indiscriminate violence of unthinkable magnitude. To achieve their heinous goals these groups are seeking to acquire nuclear, chemical and biological materials.

In its Presidential Statement S/PRST/2014/7 of 2014 the Security Council reaffirmed its continued support for resolution 1540 (2004) and the Committee. It set out clear guidelines with regard to the Committee’s future activities, including on considering developing a strategy towards its full implementation, enhanced assistance to Member States. It also called for enhanced cooperation among relevant Council’s Committees and coordination of its non-proliferation work with other international, regional and subregional organizations. Furthermore, it encouraged the Committee to draw on relevant expertise, including from civil society, industry and the private sector.

All these elements leading to improved implementation of the resolution should be among key areas of the Committee’s focus in preparing for the 2016 Comprehensive Review.

Mr. President,

Since the adoption of Resolution 1540, Lithuania has been its constant and dedicated supporter. Lithuania submitted its initial report on the implementation of resolution 1540 in 2004 and has continued to provide regular comprehensive updates, most recently in November 2013. This September in consultation with the Group of Experts, we finalized a 1540 matrix aimed at further enhancing national implementation. A number of workshops were held in Lithuania, with an emphasis on the main elements of prevention, detection and response to illicit trafficking of chemical, biological and nuclear materials.

Mr. President,

As it has been once again reaffirmed by the Hague Nuclear Security Summit in 2014, the strengthening of nuclear security and preventing terrorists, criminals and all other unauthorized actors from acquiring nuclear materials remains one of the most important challenges in the years to come. We are looking forward for the successful summit in Chicago 2016.

As part of its obligations assumed at Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, Lithuania, through its Nuclear Security Centre of Excellence, is working towards increasing capacities of national and regional experts to counter nuclear smuggling and improve nuclear security culture. Nearly 700 experts have been trained so far, including officials from Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia and Moldova. Lithuania is committed to expand its international cooperation in this field.

Mr. President,

Lithuania recognizes the need for universal and comprehensive reporting under the resolution with the aim of identifying shortcomings and challenges that States may face while implementing it. The recent submission by Malawi of its first report and assistance request shows the importance of direct contacts and cooperation with States. The Committee and its Group of Experts should further ensure continued direct interaction with all States in implementing the goals of resolution 1540. The Group of Experts of the 1540 Committee should further continue specific country visits and active participation in non-proliferation related events.

While further strengthening its clearinghouse role in facilitating matchmaking between assistance requests and available assistance, the 1540 Committee should also seek to expand the base of assistance providers, especially in the field of export controls, which should be open to all assistance providers that express their wish to contribute to the implementation of resolution 1540.

Lithuania also encourages the Committee to more actively engage with industry, civil society, academia and the private sector. In this regard it is important that the Committee should compile effective practices and makes them available to all interested actors.

Furthermore, the Committee would benefit of eventual synergies with other Council bodies dealing with issues related to non-proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery. Therefore, Lithuania would encourage closer interaction among relevant Committees and their Group of Experts, such as 1718 Committee on DPRK, 1737 Committee on Iran, the Counter-Terrorism Committee as well as the 1267 Committee concerning Al-Qaida.

Mr. President,

Finally, let me finish by expressing our great appreciation for the efforts by the Republic of Korea, as Chair of the 1540 Committee, and to you Ambassador Oh Joon personally for your tireless efforts and commitment towards achieving universal and full implementation of the resolution 1540.

Thank you.