POLITICS
Azerbaijani FM: “We commend efforts by CTBTO to address nuclear disarmament”
Baku, September 22, AZERTAC
“We commend the efforts by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) to address nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation issues,” said Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov as he addressed the 8th Ministerial meeting organized by the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
The Minister said: “This year marks the 20th Anniversary since the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty opened for the signatories. Azerbaijan was one of the countries that supported the initiative right from its commencement.
We regard entry into force of the CTBT as a crucial step for realization of the nuclear-free world as envisaged in the Non-Proliferation Treaty. In addition to its potential contribution to the nuclear disarmament, we also highly value civilian and scientific benefits that derive from the Treaty verification system.”
“We welcome the voluntary moratorium exercised by several states on nuclear tests. However, the moratoria by individual states cannot substitute the entry into force of the Treaty, which is essential step for international peace and security. We once again call on all remaining Annex II States that have yet to ratify the Treaty spare no effort to do so.
Being committed to the vision of the nuclear free world enshrined in the NPT, Azerbaijan actively supports international efforts to that end. I am pleased to inform that Azerbaijan facilitates the implementation of the Join Comprehensive Plan of Action on the nuclear program of Iran, including by enabling transit the materials within the scope of the agreement through our territory,” FM Mammadyarov added.