Qatar calls for practical steps to establish a Middle East Nuclear-Weapon-Free zone

The State of Qatar stressed Tuesday that regional and international tensions in the world and the irresponsible calls from some parties to launch a new international arms race requires a strengthening of disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, including action to implement the 1995 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review and Extension Conference.

HE Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in Vienna, said in a statement to the Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Qatar is keen to work in various forums, including the IAEA Board of Governors and IAEA General Conferences, in an effort to make the Middle East a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, primarily nuclear weapons, as a result of the country's belief in the establishment of a region free of weapons of mass destruction represents an effective contribution towards the goal of nuclear disarmament and the universality of the NPT.

Al Mansouri expressed regret that the efforts to establish a Middle-East region free of nuclear weapon and other weapons of mass destruction was stalled by the lack of political will on the part of some countries to implement the 1995 Treaty.

He said that Qatar is actively participating in the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, which is currently being held in New York, in accordance with a UN resolution.

He added that it is a major step in the efforts of the international community towards the implementation of international obligations, and states that have not participated in it should reconsider their decision and engage in the joint effort, under the auspices of the UN to achieve the goal of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

Al Mansouri said that the Middle East is facing great challenges and new opportunities, expressing hope that everyone is convinced of the importance and necessity of achieving regional security through the implementation of commitments and to provide peace and prosperity for the peoples of the region. (QNA)