Thank you Chair,

In addition to the statement delivered by the European Union, I would like to make the following remarks in my national capacity.

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

The NPT is the most important tool in our mission to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Sure, it has experienced challenges over the years. The Treaty has been violated by some and challenged by others. Nevertheless, it has proven its worth throughout its existence by setting a clear norm. States Parties to the Treaty must therefore continue to protect and strengthen the Treaty, by bolstering the institutions that help to enforce it and by taking a clear stand on those who threaten its purpose. In this statement I will address both.

With regard to the former, the Netherlands reiterates the importance of the IAEA’s ‘Gold Standard’. Only the combination of a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) and an Additional Protocol (AP) allows the IAEA to effectively verify the absence of undeclared nuclear materials and facilities. Moreover, States with an outdated Small Quantities Protocol (SQP) must amend or rescind it. 

Chair,

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty is a powerful example of international cooperation on non-proliferation. By combining our knowledge, funding and other resources, we have accomplished the establishment of the International Monitoring System (IMS). Its data are a reliable and cost-effective asset in upholding the norm of zero nuclear testing and provide valuable information on earthquakes and tsunamis. Therefore, the Netherlands calls upon all States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the CTBT, especially those mentioned in its Annex 2. And for CTBTO Member States, let me underline the importance of continuing to sustain the IMS financially.  

Chair,

Allow me to seize this occasion to address those that violate or threaten the norm against the acquisition of nuclear weapons. 

We urge the DPRK to return to its obligations under the NPT as a non-nuclear-weapon State and to abide by its previous Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, extended by an Additional Protocol to that Agreement. We call upon the DPRK to abandon its nuclear weapons and missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. 

With a view to Iran, it is paramount that the serious concerns regarding its lack of cooperation with the IAEA and the wider international community on its nuclear program are properly addressed. Verifiable steps towards full compliance with its non-proliferation obligations, including resolution of outstanding safeguards questions, are indispensable. 

Chair, 

Let me also underline the contribution of effective export controls to the implementation of the NPT. The Netherlands is strongly committed to upholding the highest standards of export controls, in order to prevent proliferation, while at the same time facilitating the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and scientific knowledge for the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies by all.

Chair, 

These challenging times require that we choose unity over division and jointly take the necessary steps to reinforce the NPT and the broader non-proliferation regime. We look forward to working together with all States Parties to deliver the much-needed results.

Thank you Chair.