Statement by Ambassador Dr. Riyad Mansour before 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear weapons (NPT), 29 April 2015

Madam President,

At the outset, I extend our deepest sympathies to the people and government of Nepal. Your country is in our thoughts and we wish you strength and courage during this tragic time.

Allow me to congratulate Your Excellency on your election as President of this very important 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear weapons (NPT). We would also like to extend our congratulations to all the members of the Bureau. We are confident that with your profound experience and capabilities you will lead our deliberations to a successful conclusion.

The State of Palestine aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the Arab Group and the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Madam President,

The State of Palestine is proud to have recently become the 191^st State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It is an honor for us to be participating in this capacity at this Review Conference. We thank all countries that have congratulated us on joining the NPT. We reaffirm our commitment to meet the obligations and responsibilities emanating from the Treaty towards the achievement of the goals of the NPT, mainly, the three main pillars: disarmament, non-proliferation and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Madam President,

While the international community has witnessed many positive developments in the endeavor for a nuclear free world, regrettably, threats to international peace and security remain potent worldwide, in particular in the Middle East region. The fact that Israel remains the only non-party to the NPT from our region and refuses to subject its nuclear program to international scrutiny, makes this threat more formidable. Therefore, it is imperative that this Conference gives the Arab Group recommendations serious attention and consideration. In particular:

1.  To reaffirm the 1995 Resolution on the establishment in the Middle East of a Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and all other Weapons of Mass Destruction which, being the basis upon which the treaty was indefinitely extended without a vote, remains valid until it is fully implemented.
2.  To call upon Israel, the only state in the Middle East that remains outside the NPT, to immediately sign and ratify the NPT without further delay.
3. To call upon the Secretary-General of the United Nations to convene a conference within 180 days from the adoption of the 2015 NPT Review Conference Final Document, aimed at launching a process to conclude a legally binding Treaty establishing a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and all other Weapons of Mass Destruction.

In conclusion, we wish for a successful outcome to this Conference and while we are aware there are challenges, we are prepared to contribute to the work necessary to overcome the present and future challenges with the hope that our region and the entire world will one day be nuclear free.

Thank you.