Speaking at the First Committee ‘General Debate about Disarmament and International Security’ during the 66th UN General Assembly Session, the Plenipotentiary Minister Nujaim Bin Sulaiman Al Abri, the Sultanate’s Permanent Delegate in New York, said Oman is looking forward for the conference in 2012 to reach an agreement to declare the Middle East region free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction.
The Sultanate affirmed the legitimate rights of states to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as per the NPT and under the care of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Sultanate called on Israel to respond to the international appeal to accede to NPT and to allow IAEA to inspect and report on all of its nuclear facilities.
On the Iranian nuclear issue, Al Abri encouraged all parties to recognise the necessity to continue dialogue to reach a peaceful solution to maintain stability and security in the region, while preserving Iran’s right to benefit from nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, and to dispel fears of the international community.
Oman renewed its call to make the ME region free of nuclear and mass destruction weapons, as is the case with all Arab countries, as it will create the atmosphere for cooperation between countries in the region, enhance trust, limit arms race, and create atmosphere of confidence and peace which will reflect positively on the world and international peace and security.
The Sultanate said making the ME Region free of weapons of mass destruction is worthy of the international community’s support. It called on Israel to join the NPT and place its nuclear facilities under the comprehensive control system as per the Guarantees Accord of the IAEA and in implementation of the deal concluded in 1995. It expressed its regret that no progress was made in this regard.
The Sultanate welcomed the IAEA call to convene a special forum to establish a nuclear weapons-free Middle East, which would hopefully be held on November 21 and 22 in Vienna.
He hoped the Plans of Action approved by the Review Conference will accelerate steps for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and enhance peaceful use of nuclear energy for sustainable development, especially for developing countries.
He confirmed Oman’s commitment to the 2001 UN Programme of Action on illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
The Sultanate called on all member countries to fulfil their obligations towards the treaties and conventions on disarmament, especially those with regard to nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.
