News

In its statement at the thematic debate on disarmament machinery of the UN General Assembly First Committee, Lithuania expressed regret that the Conference on Disarmament has again been unable to break the longstanding impasse and underlined that the enlargement of the Conference has been an outstanding issue for more than a decade and needs to be addressed without delay.

Statement by the Republic of Lithuania

at the 67^th session United Nations General Assembly

First Committee

Thematic discussion on Disarmament Machinery

2 November 2012, New York

Mr. Chairman,

Lithuania aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union on behalf of the EU and its member states.

Let me now elaborate on some matters of particular importance to Lithuania.

Lithuania believes that multilateral approach to disarmament and non-proliferation is essential in developing, maintaining and further strengthening fundamental international norms. Being a firm supporter of effective multilateralism, Lithuania regards the UNGA First Committee, the Conference on Disarmament (CD), the Disarmament Commission (UNDC), and relevant international treaties as important mutually reinforcing elements of the Disarmament Machinery.

We regret that despite clear calls by the UN General Assembly, countless other forums and a number of high officials who addressed the Conference, the CD has not yet been able to break the longstanding impasse and to commence its substantial work at its 2012 session. Since the successful negotiations on CTBT in 1996, multilateral disarmament treaties, such as Antipersonnel Landmine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions, have been successfully negotiated in an inclusive manner outside of the CD thus undermining its authority.

Given the continuing stalemate in the CD, the international community needs to reflect on eventual options and, if necessary, identify other ways to ensure the progress in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. Therefore, Lithuania welcomes all initiatives that could give an extra impetus to starting negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament on the core issues in its agenda.

Mr. Chairman,

Let me now turn to the CD enlargement. This has been an outstanding issue for more than a decade and needs to be addressed without delay. This call is in line with the Rules of Procedure of the CD, which provide for the review of the membership question at regular intervals.

To that end Lithuania aligns itself with the statement on behalf of the Informal Group of the Observer States.

Lithuania is convinced that the expansion of the CD membership would promote transparency and inclusiveness and thus reflect the universal disarmament goals.

Thank you.