The CTBT at the NPT PrepCom

"The Marshallese people have one of the most important stories to tell regarding the need to avert the use of nuclear weapons, and one which should spur far greater efforts for nuclear disarmament. I must remind this meeting that it was ultimately under the status and administration of the United Nations, as a UN Trust Territory, that the Marshall Islands was used as a nuclear testing ground...We experienced 67 nuclear tests between 1946 and 1958 - at a scale of 1.6 Hiroshima Shots every day for twelve years. This is not only a historical issue but one whose consequences remain with us today as a burden which no nation, and which no people, should ever have to carry. It was the experience in the Marshall Islands of nuclear testing which ultimately served to shock the world into pursuing not only non-proliferation but ultimate disarmament." Full statement (PDF)

"The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is also an essential component for achieving nuclear disarmament. We welcome the recent ratification of the Treaty by Brunei Darussalam, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq and Niue bringing the total number of ratifications to 162. Although the Treaty, 18 years after opening up for signatories, is yet to come into force, we believe that the prohibition of nuclear tests as envisioned by the Treaty has become a de facto international norm. However, without the legally-binding effect of entry into force of the Treaty, such a norm remains fragile. We therefore urge those States whose last remaining signatures and ratifications are necessary for the entry into force of the CTBT to sign and ratify without delay." Full statement (PDF)

"CELAC reiterates the importance of the early entry into force of the CTBT and urges those states in Annex II of the Treaty whose ratification is essential for its entry into force to accelerate the signature and/ or ratification process of this instrument. All States must refrain from nuclear weapon test explosions, other nuclear explosions, or any other relevant non-explosive experiments, including subcritical tests. Such actions are contrary to the objectives and purpose of the CTBT." Full statement (PDF)

"But we are deeply disappointed that the world is still awaiting the entry into force of the CTBT. Australia is a co-chair of the Friends of the CTBT group, and entry into force is a major Australian priority. Australia, together with the other NPDI member states, again urges all remaining Annex 2 States to ratify the treaty without delay and without waiting for other States to ratify the Treaty...Australia remains deeply concerned by the actions of the DPRK which, alone among nations in the twenty-first century, maintains an active nuclear explosive testing program, challenging the disarmament and non-proliferation regime and contravening the international norm that has already been established by the CTBT. No Member States should be silent on this matter. We condemn the DPRK's third nuclear test on 12 February 2013 and recent provocative rocket launches which also violated UN Security Council Resolutions." Full statement (PDF)

"Italy is also fully engaged in supporting the entry into force of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty that would strengthen the international non-proliferation regime. The New Executive Secretary of the CTBT recently established a “Group of Eminent Persons” to help Member States to facilitate the Treaty’s entry into force. Italy is strongly involved in this exercise. The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Federica Mogherini, as a member of this Group since its establishment, attended the last meeting which took place in Stockholm on April 10th-11th, 2014. She moderated the discussion on how it could best advise and assist the Executive Secretary on securing the entry into force of the Treaty, in order to complete a global, legally-binding prohibition on nuclear weapon test explosions or other nuclear explosions. The Group of Eminent Persons accepted the invitation of the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Federica Mogherini, to hold the next meeting of the Group in Italy [comment CTBTO: one of the next meetings]." Full statement (PDF)

"My delegation believes that the most urgent two tasks in pursuit of realistic nuclear disarmament are the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and on the immediate start of the negotiations for the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). We appreciate the significant role played by the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO in detecting nuclear tests even though the Treaty has not yet come into effect. We would like to call upon those States that have not yet done so to ratify the CTBT. We also urge the Conference on Disarmament (CD) to embark on substantive negotiations on the FMCT as soon as possible." Full statement (PDF)

"With a view to strengthening the global architecture for non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament, my delegation would like to reiterate the importance of achieving universal adherence to the CTBT in order to allow its entry into force." Full statement (PDF)

[Commenting on P5 collaborations:] "China invited all the delegates to visit the CTBT National Data Center." Full statement (PDF)

"...no logic can defend or legitimize the possession of still more than 17.000 nuclear warheads on this globe or that the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty has not yet entered  into force." Full statement (PDF)

"I would like to highlight our priorities in this field...Promote the entry into force of the CTBT for its importance in reducing the risk of accidents derived from the experimental detonation of nuclear devices, as well as in avoiding environmental damages and limiting the arms race.

Spain condemns the nuclear explosions conducted by the DPRK...Thus, we would like to call upon the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to...sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty."

Full statement (PDF) 1st Cluster statement in Spanish and English (PDF)

"The entry into force of the CTBT remains a top priority for the United States. We are working to educate the American public on the security benefits of the Treaty, as well as the dangerous health effects of explosive testing. Of course, there is no reason for the remaining Annex 2 states to wait for the United States before completing their own ratification process. We urge all States to provide adequate financial and political support for the completion of the CTBT verification regime and its provisional operations between now and the entry into force of the treaty. Entry into force of the CTBT is in the security interests of every nation. All States have an important role to play in providing the necessary resources to complete the Treaty’s verification regime and maximize the capabilities of the Provisional Technical Secretariat."

Full statement (PDF) 1st Cluster statement (PDF)

"Russia has consistently pursued the goal of the earliest entry into force and the universalization of the CTBT, which is a crucial international legal instrument for strengthening the non-proliferation regime and limiting nuclear weapons." Full statement (PDF)

"The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is of crucial importance to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and its entry into force and universalization remain top priorities for the EU. We will continue to promote this objective through our diplomatic and financial engagement. Pending the entry into force of the Treaty, the EU calls on all States to uphold a moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosion, to refrain from any action that would defeat the object and purpose of the Treaty. We reiterate our call on all States that have not done so, in particular those listed in Annex 2 of the Treaty, to sign and ratify the Treaty. We stand ready to continue our work with the CTBTO and all our international partners to follow up on the outcome of the 2013 CTBT Article XIV Conference." Opening statement (PDF) 1st Cluster statement (PDF)

"We also look forward to participating in the CTBTO Regional Conference for States in Southeast Asia and the Pacific in Indonesia later in May." Full statement (PDF)

"We urge all states, particularly those whose adherence is required for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) to enter into force, to sign and ratify the treaty without further delay." Full statement (PDF)

"It is a matter of concern that the nuclear weapon States are not only adding more precision capability to the existing stockpiles of nuclear weapons, but are also developing new types of weaponry. These are in contravention of the assurances provided by the nuclear weapon States at the time of concluding the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We urge this Committee to undertake renewed and vigorous efforts to develop a legally binding framework for providing such assurances to Non- Nuclear Weapon States

We also consider the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which Bangladesh has signed in 1996 and ratified in 2000 as the first country from South Asia, a critical instrument and an essential step to ensure nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. We call all States that are yet to ratify the CTBT, especially the eight specific nuclear technology holder countries whose signature and ratification is holding back CTBT's entry into force to sign and ratify the CTBT urgently and unconditionally."

Full statement (PDF)

"Although nuclear weapons have only been used twice, there have been more than a thousand nuclear tests, contributing to the improvement of these weapons, i.e. vertical proliferation. Even though we welcome that 183 States have signed and 162 have ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty, including 44 States from Annex II, we consider that the entry into force of the Treaty is the best way to avoid proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As a State Party listed in Annex 2, we are honored to introduce ourselves as a country committed to its early entry into force."

Full statement (PDF)

"When it comes to verification, my delegation would also like to emphasize the importance of the CTBT's entry into force. The CTBT is an important tool for building mutual trust and confidence, which is needed to reduce the threat posed by nuclear weapons. The UAE has condemned the nuclear tests by the DPRK as another provocative step that endangers the NPT regime. The nuclear tests highlight the importance of the CTBT and call for a swift response and diplomatic efforts to bring in force the CTBT."

Full statement (PDF)

"The CTBT is a crucial element for both nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Since handing over the torch as Article XIV Coordinator last year, Sweden continues to promote the CTBT. We recently hosted a meeting in Stockholm of the Group of Eminent Persons, which focuses on new and innovative approaches for bringing the Treaty into force. Our technical support for the CTBT verification regime continues, including through further development of the noble gas system SAUNA to help detect underground nuclear explosions."

Full statement (PDF)

"Germany would like to reiterate that the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty must finally enter into force. In the 21st century, there is no space for nuclear tests." Full statement (PDF)

"The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) remains a key tool to advance disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and build mutual trust and confidence. Its entry into force is long overdue. Singapore welcomes Guinea-Bissau, Iraq and Niue’s ratifications of the CTBT since the Prep Com in Geneva Last Year. We urge all countries, in particular, the remaining countries in Annex 2, to sign and ratify the CTBT."

Full statement (PDF)

"Ma délégation reste convaincue qu’œuvrer à l'universalisation du TNP et à l'application de ses dispositions pertinentes de même qu’agir de façon résolue pour l’entrée en vigueur du Traité sur l’interdiction complète des essais nucléaires (TICEN) constituent des jalons précieux vers le désarmement général et complet."
[Working Translation:] "My delegation is convinced that working on the universalization of the NPT and the application of its relevant provisions, as well as acting toward the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) are valuable steps towards the general and complete disarmament."

Full statement (PDF)

"We must also recognize the urgency of eliminating the testing of all nuclear weapons and urge ratification by the remaining Annex II countries to enable the entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty." Full statement (PDF)

"My delegation also shares the views of those States Parties, who attach particular importance to the expeditious ratification and entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, a treaty my country ratified in 2003."

Full statement (PDF)

"Turning to the issue of nuclear testing, my delegation is encouraged by the continued positive response by countries to sign an d ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Malaysia strongly urges the remaining Annex II States to sign and ratify the Treaty, so as to affect its entry into force as soon as possible. Pending the entry into force of the CTBT, it is important to ensure that the current moratorium on nuclear testing is being and will continue to be observed, while exerting every effort to secure the universal endorsement of the Treaty. In this regard, Malaysia welcomes the recent ratification of the CTBT by Guinea-Bissau, Iraq and Niue." Full statement (PDF)

"The Czech Republic, being the first European country to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), would like to reaffirm its support to the process leading to the entry into force of the CTBT, which will significantly strengthen the international security architecture based on the NPT. We fully support the efforts of the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) to further develop the CTBT verification regime as a strong non-proliferation and confidence building instrument." 1st Cluster Statement (PDF)

"We were the first State to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, along with the United Kingdom, and to dismantle our nuclear test site. We therefore call upon all States that have not yet ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty to do so, especially Annex II States, to allow its entry into force." 1st Cluster Statement in French and English (PDF)

"Until negotiations on nuclear disarmament begin, progress on important interim measures remains urgent, such as the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)." 1st Cluster Statement (PDF)

"The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty shows how a treaty, even before its entry into force, can underpin a voluntary moratorium that has become de facto international norm. Once again we call on all states to sign and ratify the CTBT." 1st Cluster statement (PDF)

"We are confident that the FMCT will complement the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Speaking of the CTBT, I would like to seize this opportunity to appeal once again to all Annex II States to ratify the CTBT as soon as possible." 1st Cluster statement (PDF)

"The CTBT is a key pillar of both, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Bringing the CTBT into force is of utmost importance. The value of the Treaty and the capabilities of its verification regime are obvious and beyond doubt. Austria remains committed to support all possible universalization efforts. We call on all states concerned to ratify the Treaty and particularly appeal to all Annex II states to take serious ratification steps as soon as possible. We highlight the important contribution that the CTBT makes to confidence building in this context." 1st Cluster statement (PDF)

"Kazakhstan stands for the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). A voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing observed by the nuclear powers, though an important factor of nuclear security, cannot serve as an alternative to a legally-binding document such as the CTBT. We closely co-operate with the CTBTO to enhance the International Monitoring System, through developing and refining our five national cutting-edge 24-hour tracking stations as part of the global effort." 1st Cluster statement (PDF)

"The Netherlands is of the opinion that this discussion is valuable and should be continued in the broader context of the NPT. We therefore support the working paper on ‘building blocks’ that is led by Japan and look forward to continuing this discussion with all States Parties. Building blocks can be of a unilateral, a bilateral, a regional or multilateral nature. The entry into force of the CTBT and a Treaty that stops the production of Fissile Material for explosive purposes are essential elements of a multilateral nature." 1st Cluster statement (PDF)

The Philippines has consistently called for the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). 1st Cluster statement (PDF)