Mogherini urges rapid entry into force of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
High Representative Federica Mogherini today called on all states which are yet to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty to do so quickly, to allow it finally to enter into force.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union at the Ministerial-level meeting of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna, Mogherini said that a stronger political push was now needed.
"We want the Treaty to enter into force and to be universalised. All EU i Member States have ratified it, and we are strongly committed - both politically and financially - to pursuing all the objectives of the Treaty. The many crises we are dealing with cannot distract our attention from this aim: on the contrary, they make it even more urgent," Mogherini said.
The CTBT was opened for signature 20 years ago. Since then, 183 states have signed and 164 of them have ratified the CTBT. Even through its provisional application, the CTBT has strengthened the international non-proliferation regime and efforts towards global nuclear disarmament. But Mogherini underlined that major challenges remain.
"The complete elimination of nuclear weapon test explosions and nuclear explosions has not yet been achieved."
"The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. And yet, last year, its Review Conference failed to reach a consensus on the final document," Mogherini said.
And after 20 years, the Treaty has not yet entered into force.
"Threats to global peace are multiplying, including in our Union’s very region. It is time to redouble our efforts, to never again see the dark cloud of a nuclear explosion," Mogherini concluded.
"In the historic G7 i meeting in Hiroshima, world leaders have committed to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. Such a dream must translate into concrete action and policies - and the European Union won’t take a backseat to anyone in the pursuit of a more peaceful and secure global order."
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