Oman affirms commitment to nuclear non-proliferation

NEW YORK: The Sultanate of Oman is taking part in the 11th Review Conference of Parties to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which began at the United Nations headquarters in New York and will continue until May 22.
Oman's participation in the international conference assumes significance from the country's designation as Chair of the 7th Session of the “Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction”. This reflects global confidence in Oman as an advocate of efforts for disarmament and consolidation of regional and international security.
Omar bin Said al Kathiri, the Sultanate of Oman’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, gave a statement at the conference on behalf of member states. He pointed out that the establishment of a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East constitutes a strategic priority and an urgent bid to enhance security and stability in the region. Such a move affirms international commitment which, he said, requires concerted efforts to turn the pledge into a tangible reality.
In his statement, Al Kathiri laid emphasis on the growing challenges posed to the scheme of disarmament and non-proliferation, including the ongoing development of nuclear arsenals and escalating rhetoric on the use of nuclear weapons. He cautioned against the negative repercussions of this stance on international peace and security. He also stressed the need to consolidate multilateral action and reach a consensus that would restore vigour to the process of the NPT.
From its podium, the Sultanate of Oman urged all Middle East countries to constructively engage in this process and to enhance mutual trust that would pave the way for more sustainable regional arrangements.
Oman also affirmed its steadfast commitment to back international efforts to achieve disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, promote peaceful solutions based on dialogue and understanding and contribute to the establishment of a more balanced and secure international system. - ONA