Canada Participates in Review of Treaty on Nuclear Weapons

News Release

May 2, 2005 No. 77 Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew welcomed the opening today of the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the most effective international instrument for achieving Canada’s fundamental objectives of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and to ensure the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. James R. Wright, Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security and Political Director, will deliver Canada’s opening statement to this conference, which continues until May 27 in New York. “Strengthening the NPT and related treaties and agreements is crucial to the security of Canada and all countries,” said Minister Pettigrew. “Our objective is to achieve a positive outcome to the Conference that realizes concrete non-proliferation and disarmament commitments by all states parties.” This review conference provides a vital opportunity to reinforce the treaty’s authority and respond to the serious challenges that have arisen since 2000. For the NPT to make its intended contribution to international security, Canada expects the review conference to agree to measures that will enhance this crucial multilateral legal instrument. The NPT, which entered into force on March 5, 1970, represents a three-part agreement among its 188 states members: non-nuclear-weapon states undertake not to develop nuclear weapons; the five nuclear-weapon states commit to nuclear disarmament; while all parties have the right to develop and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and to facilitate the fullest possible exchange. In 1995 and 2000, states attending NPT review conferences agreed on steps to advance nuclear disarmament in practical ways, strengthened non-proliferation standards and addressed regional challenges. Canada’s strategy for the review conference, convened by states parties to the treaty once every five years, is outlined in an overview paper that can be found at http://www.disarmament.gc.ca/arms/nptoverview-en.asp. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca

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2016-12-15

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Canada Participates in Review of Treaty on Nuclear Weapons

News Release

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