UN passes Canadian-led resolution advancing nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament
News Release
October 28, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today welcomed the overwhelming support a Canadian-led resolution advancing a fissile material cut-off treaty (FMCT) received at the UN General Assembly’s First Committee.
The resolution, which passed with the support of 177 UN member states, establishes a high-level preparatory group mandated to recommend elements of a treaty banning the production of fissile material. It was co-sponsored by Germany and the Netherlands.
A fissile material cut-off treaty would restrict production and access to the materials necessary to create nuclear weapons. It is almost universally regarded as the next logical step in nuclear disarmament.
The work of the high-level preparatory group, which will be composed of 25 states, including states possessing nuclear weapons, will stand as the only current nuclear disarmament initiative bringing together both nuclear and non-nuclear weapons states. The high-level group will advance preparations for the negotiation of this treaty over the next two years.
Quotes
“Canada attaches enormous importance to making concrete progress on nuclear disarmament. The passage of this resolution, with the support of both nuclear weapons states and non-nuclear weapons states, sets us on this path.
“Future negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty will not be easy. However, progress on an FMCT in the near term is possible, and Canada will spare no effort to ensure its success.”
- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Contacts
Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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