On the 7th Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

On September 23 New York hosted the 7th Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The Belarusian delegation at the event was headed by Assistant to the President of the Republic of Belarus for Foreign Affairs, Valentin Rybakov.

In his speech to the Conference, Vladimir Rybakov underlined that Belarus regards the CTBT as an efficient international instrument of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

The representative of the Belarusian delegation urged the States that have not ratified the CTBT, to demonstrate the necessary political will to ratify the Treaty as soon as possible.

Valentin Rybakov noted that the monitoring mechanisms of the treaty are becoming increasingly relevant. This year, the potential of the CTBT monitoring system has been used in relation to the tragic events in Japan. The data on the air condition near the epicenter of the accident and across the world was used by the signatories to the treaty to study the consequences and threats for people and environment. Thus, the Treaty not only contributes to strengthening international peace and security, but also becomes increasingly useful for civilian and scientific purposes. The Belarusian side believes that this understanding should become an additional impetus in the process of CTBT universalization.

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