Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), 5th Ministerial Meeting, New York 23 September 2010

Statement

by

H.E. Mr. Guido Westerwelle

Vice Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the FederalRepublicof Germany 

 

5th Ministerial Meeting

in Support of the Entry into Force

of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) 

 

 New York, 23rd September 2010

 

 (Check against delivery)

 

  

Mr. President,

Distinguished colleagues,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

I would like to thank the Group of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty for organizing this meeting.

 

Last year and this year gave us new hope for strenghtening the international disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation regime. The New START Treaty, the Nuclear Security Summit and the successful Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty are examples of what we can and what we must achieve.

 

“Global Zero” will not be realized over night. But it is a goal we should not lose sight of. In the end, we will need to stop the production of all fissile material that can be used for weapons.

 

Once the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty enters into force, we would basically outlaw anyone who develops or enhances nuclear weapons. The legal ban on all nuclear testing is therefore a milestone towards our common long-term goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. And it is long overdue.

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

I would like to commend the preparatory commission that already does excellent work. Even small nuclear tests do not go undetected. Anywhere in the world. This is already a major achievement.

 

From day one, Germany has supported the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the respective organization in Vienna. Germany is the third largest contributor to the budget. Together with our partners in the European Union, we contribute additional funds. The latest was over 5 million €. Together with their international colleagues, German scientists and technical experts are continuously improving the CTBT monitoring system.

 

 

Excellencies,

 

when the Treaty enters in to force, we shall celebrate a huge security gain for all of us. We have worked hard, and success is in reach. The advantages are obvious.

 

The support of nine countries is still missing. Some have recently said they would ratify soon. I welcome these statements and I am looking forward to seeing that promise fulfilled. I urge all countries whose ratifications are still outstanding, make it happen now. Do it for your sake and for the generations to come.