STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON "NON-PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION", 23 AUGUST 2016

Thank you, Mr President.

1.            It is a pleasure to see Malaysia and to see you presiding over the Security Council.  I thank you for convening this Open Debate.  I also endorse the statement made by Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Mr President,

2.            Singapore does not have significant nuclear material or facilities but Singapore regards nuclear proliferation as a serious matter.  We are concerned that the threat of nuclear proliferation is being compounded by the threat of terrorism and illicit activities by non-state actors.  In this regard, I wish to make three points:

3.            First, all countries need to strengthen their national legislation and internal processes to address the proliferation of WMD, particularly to non-state actors.  As a global transhipment hub, Singapore is committed to working with other countries to counter the proliferation of WMD and to combat illicit trafficking.  In Singapore, we have upgraded radiation screening technology at our ports and tightened our export control regime.  We regularly review and update our export controls lists to ensure that our system is in line with international practice.  Our financial institutions are regularly subject to review, to ensure the proper implementation of controls necessary to prevent proliferation financing as part of their compliance obligations.

4.            Second, we have to strengthen intra-regional and inter-regional cooperation to build capacity, and prevent any loopholes in the international counter-proliferation framework.  In this regard, Singapore participates actively at ASEAN Regional Forum Meetings, and other regional seminars on export controls and non-proliferation.  We continue to work with the European Union’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Centre of Excellence in Southeast Asia.  Singapore also participates at the annual Asian Export Control Seminars held in Japan, which is a good platform to share experiences on counter proliferation.

5.            Third, we need to support and strengthen international efforts aimed at addressing the proliferation of WMD.  Singapore plays its part in the Proliferation Security Initiative or PSI.  We have hosted two PSI exercises to date, and look forward to hosting a third exercise in September this year.  We have adopted the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations to combat proliferation financing.  Singapore also hosts the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation, which fosters information sharing among countries, to counter transnational threats and networks that exploit new technology. 

6.            As a responsible member of the UN, Singapore has faithfully taken actions to implement resolutions issued by the Security Council on non-proliferation.  We contributed to the Open Consultations on the Review of UNSC Resolution 1540 in June 2016, and will continue working with all UN member states to implement that resolution.

Mr President,

7.            Let me conclude by saying that Singapore believes that the international counter-proliferation regime is only as strong as its weakest link.  It is therefore essential that we work collectively to create an effective global framework to counter the threat of nuclear proliferation.  Singapore is fully committed to doing its part, by working closely with other countries at the regional and global level.

8.            Thank you.

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