In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Statement by the Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran

to the UNGA 75 First Committee

Thematic Discussion:

UN Disarmament Machinery

------------

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation associates itself with the NAM statement delivered by Indonesia.

Mr. Chair,

On the UN Disarmament Machinery, Iran attaches great importance to multilateralism as the core principle of negotiations in the field of disarmament. We underscore the vital importance and continued validity of the UN’s multilateral disarmament machinery established by SSOD-I.

Based on their existing methods of work and rules of procedure, in particular the rule of consensus, the Conference on Disarmament and the UNDC have formulated landmark universal instruments in the past.

It is an undeniable fact that the major problem of the UN Disarmament Machinery, in particular the CD, is the “lack of genuine political will” on the part of certain Nuclear-Weapon-States and their advocates that are unwilling to agree on a balanced, comprehensive, and priority-based program of work.

Mr. Chair,

The US’  negative or abstain votes for years are just one example of this lack of will. It is clear that the US not only lacks the intention to responsibly enter into negotiations for new disarmament or arms control treaties Its new revisionist policy and repeated withdrawal from several related international instruments, the INF as the latest example, are also a big hurdle to the UN disarmament machinery that erodes their credibility.

Another chronic example of this kind refers to Israel. Every year, resolutions are adopted by the First Committee on creating a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East and on Middle East nuclear proliferation. They require Israel to adhere to the Non-Proliferation Treaty without delay. Machinery was needed to make sure those resolutions are implemented. Unfortunately, there is a clear selectivity on the part of the great powers, which undermines international peace and security.

Mr. Chair,

Iran believes that the existing disarmament machinery, in particular the CD, needs to be fully supported and enhanced. That is a shared objective and a common responsibility.

In this august Committee, we have an opportunity before us to finally and decisively change the course for the betterment of not just our own lives but also those of future generations. We must seize it and with vigor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair!