STATEMENT BY MR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS IN NEW YORK AT THE THIRD SESSION OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THE 2020 NPT REVIEW CONFERENCE, NEW YORK, 29 APRIL – 10 MAY 2019

Mr Chairman,

My warmest congratulations to you on your election as Chair of this Preparatory Committee meeting. We are very proud that a fellow ASEAN country is leading this important process. 

Singapore is optimistic that under your leadership, this Preparatory Committee will lay the groundwork for a good outcome at the 2020 Review Confrence. Singapore aligns with the NAM and ASEAN Statements made previously and would like to make the following five points in our national capacity:

First, on nuclear disarmament, Nuclear Weapon States must do more to fulfil their disarmament commitments under Article VI of the NPT and the 2010 Action Plan. Transparent and genuine dialogue is essential to build trust between the Nuclear Weapon States and Non-Nuclear Weapon States.

Singapore also supports the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty (CTBT).

We strongly urge all countries which have not signed and ratified the CTBT, in particular the Annex 2 countries, to do so.

Progress is also needed on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).

Secondly, the global nuclear non-proliferation regime continues to be threatened by the misuse of nuclear technology and material, and dual-use items for unsanctioned military purposes, as well as the rise of non-state actors.

Singapore strongly encourages all NPT States Parties which have yet to do so to conclude the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol. The IAEA’s safeguards verification regime plays a critical role in the implementation of the non-proliferation obligations under the NPT.

Thirdly, on regional issues, Singapore notes that the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme continues to be a source of concern for the international community.

As a fellow Asian country, we urge the DPRK to return to the NPT, and to fully comply with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

Singapore supports constructive engagement and dialogue to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Singapore also remains committed to fully implementing all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions relating to this particular issue.

Another regional issue of importance is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

We note that the IAEA has consistently verified that Iran had fulfilled its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA since Implementation Day. We welcome and encourage Iran’s continued provisional application of the Additional Protocol to its Safeguards Agreement, pending its entry into force.

We urge all parties to the JCPOA to continue their dialogue to implement this internationally-negotiated agreement, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

My fourth point relates to the establishment of Nuclear Weapon-Free Zones, which are building blocks towards global nuclear non-proliferation under Article VII of the NPT.

Singapore reaffirms our commitment to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty and we look forward to the Nuclear Weapon States’ signing and ratification of the Protocol to the Treaty without any reservations.

Singapore also welcomes efforts to achieve genuine and lasting peace in a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East through open and constructive dialogue involving all relevant parties.

My fifth and final point relates to the inalienable right of all States Parties to the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, provided under Article IV of the NPT.

In our view, this right is inherently linked to the responsibility to uphold nuclear safety and security.

Mr Chairman,

The NPT is the cornerstone of rules-based global non-proliferation regime.

We hope that the 3^rd PrepCom can facilitate constructive dialogue towards concrete, time-bound and verifiable implementation and action to ensure that the NPT regime remains relevant and able to deliver on its promise.

As this is the final PrepCom, it is important to resolve all procedural matters, including the appointment of the President of the Review Conference. If we want a successful outcome at the Review Conference in 2020, we need to make a decision quickly to allow the President-designate to start work as soon as possible.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

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