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New York UN

STATEMENT BY MR JOHN KHOO, FIRST SECRETARY, PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS ON SINGAPORE'S EXPLANATION OF VOTE FOR THE NUCLEAR WEAPONS CLUSTER AT THE FIRST COMMITTEE, 72ND UNGA, 26 OCTOBER 2017

26 October 2017

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Thank you, Mr Chairman.


1        Singapore remains fully committed to the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.  This has been our longstanding and unwavering position.  The only absolute guarantee against the use of nuclear weapons is the complete elimination of these weapons of mass destruction.  Singapore will continue to support resolutions and initiatives that contribute to concrete and meaningful progress in nuclear disarmament.


Mr Chairman,


2       Singapore’s position on the recently adopted Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) has been clearly expressed.  Our position remains unchanged, and our support for Resolutions in the First Committee that make reference to the TPNW should be viewed in this context.


3       Singapore participated actively in the negotiations on the TPNW in good faith and in a constructive spirit.  We regret that our concerns were not fully taken on board.  Singapore reiterates that the Treaty should not in any way affect the rights and obligations of States Parties under other agreements including the Treaties establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 


4       Nevertheless, we recognise that there are multiple pathways to a nuclear weapon-free world.  The adoption of the Treaty as well as the subsequent signings and ratification have demonstrated the will of the majority of the international community.  In our view, meaningful progress in nuclear disarmament will only be possible when all relevant parties join in the global effort.  It is important for the international community to collectively find a realistic and complementary role for the Treaty within the existing global disarmament architecture, anchored by the NPT.  Inclusive dialogue, renewed international cooperation, and practical measures for irreversible, verifiable and universal nuclear disarmament are essential.  Singapore will continue to work constructively towards our common goal of nuclear disarmament.


5       I thank you, Mr Chairman. 

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