Qatar has reiterated its commitment to continue efforts towards elimination of nuclear weapons and non-proliferation to achieve security and stability in the region and the world.
This came in a statement by Abdulrahman Salim al-Ali, a member of Qatar's delegation participating in the First Committee of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Al-Ali noted the international community's efforts to eliminate the threat posed by nuclear weapons since the adoption of the first General Assembly resolution on disarmament.
"Given the inability to establish a specific time frame for nuclear disarmament and the implementation of article VI of the Treaty as a result of the insistence on the possession of nuclear weapons, the strict and full compliance with all the obligations contained in the international instruments on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation is a non-negotiable international legal obligation," he said.
Qatar's statement said that the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East contributes to the increased risks arising from tensions and conflicts in the region, noting that it is still the only region in the world that has not made progress on denuclearisation.
He stressed that complete and comprehensive nuclear disarmament would not be possible without the Middle East being free of nuclear weapons.
He renewed Qatar's support for holding a UN conference next November under the chairmanship of Jordan on establishing a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 546/73.
He stressed the importance of implementing the legal obligations of international conventions in the field of nuclear disarmament, the importance of responsible development of peaceful nuclear energy programmes and adherence to comprehensive safeguards measures in co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, in order to ensure the highest standards of safety and security in a world where nuclear proliferation is a big concern for all.
