Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the Thirteenth Article XIV Conference in support of the Entry-into-Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the Thirteenth Article XIV Conference in support of the Entry-into-Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on Friday, 22 September 2023.
Distinguished Co-Presidents, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset permit me to congratulate Norway and Panama on assuming the presidency of this conference, and to thank Italy and South Africa for their coordinating role in the previous years.
Lithuania fully aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. In my national capacity, I would like to reiterate few points.
Co-Presidents,
We continue to witness a deteriorating security situation, increased global and regional tensions caused by irresponsible state actors. We strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked brutal aggression against Ukraine, annexation of Ukrainian territories, dangerous nuclear rhetoric and actions, that also include Russia’s intent to station its nuclear weapons in the territory of Belarus.
Co-Presidents,
Through the ratification of the CTBT we all confirmed our commitment “not to carry out any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion and to prohibit and prevent any such nuclear explosion at any place under its jurisdiction or control.”
We strongly condemn the nuclear tests previously carried out by the Democratic People‘s Republic of Korea (DPRK). We also express our concern regarding Russia’s announcement that it will ensure its preparedness to conduct a nuclear test. We wish to underline the importance of maintaining national moratoria on nuclear weapon test explosions and of refraining from any action that would undermine the Treaty’s objective and purpose.
Co-Presidents,
The CTBT not only prohibits all nuclear test explosions, it also is intended to help curb the spread of nuclear weapons and impede nuclear arms competition. The current threats to global peace and security make it more urgent than ever to renew all efforts for the universalization of the Treaty.
It is also worth recalling that arms control mechanisms were not designed just for the good and peaceful times. They can diffuse tensions and prevent escalation under the most difficult of circumstances.
As universalization of the CTBT remains our priority, we are pleased to note that the Federal Republic of Somalia has recently signed the CTBT. Since our last conference in 2021, eight more States ratified the Treaty. With signature by 187 States and ratification by 178 States to date, the CTBT is approaching universality. We urge all States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the Treaty without further delay. Their accession to the Treaty would advance the global norm against nuclear testing.
There is no doubt that the CTBT contributes significantly to the international security, non-proliferation, and disarmament landscape. The value of the Treaty is unquestionable. But we cannot take for granted the norm against nuclear testing until it is legally binding.
And finally, I wish to highlight the leadership of the CTBTO Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd, and to thank him and his professional team for their significant work supporting global security. Thank you.
