MOSCOW, 31 August (BelTA) – Belarus makes a vigorous contribution to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Igor Petrishenko made the statement in his speech during the international science and practice conference held in Moscow on 31 August to review efforts to secure a nuclear-free world over the course of the last 25 years, the press service of the Embassy of Belarus in Russia told BelTA.
In particular, in his speech Igor Petrishenko mentioned the need to work together to maintain security and stability in the world and pointed out the central role of the United Nations Organization in the process. In his words, in current conditions problems relating to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, delivery means, and relevant materials and technologies come to the forefront. “The Republic of Belarus makes a vigorous contribution to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The efforts involve conscious rejection of possession of nuclear weapons without any conditions, active participation in most of multilateral agreements and treaties on non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control, the global initiative on fighting acts of nuclear terrorism, and efforts of the Collective Security Treaty Organization to fight the entire spectrum of terrorist threats,” stated Igor Petrishenko.
The Ambassador remarked it is important to ban the production of fissionable materials for nuclear weapons or other nuclear devices. He went on saying it is necessary to start negotiations as soon as possible on a draft treaty on banning the production of fissionable materials. Igor Petrishenko drew attention to the problem of regulating the use of outer space for peaceful purposes at the international level.
“The problems we are discussing can be resolved by restoring balance in international relations. Only mutual understanding and responsibility, recognition of the diversity of the international community, renewed trust will help ensure peace and security,” stressed Igor Petrishenko.
The conference was organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Russia in association with the Russian State University for the Humanities. Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Ashikbayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Russia Marat Tazhin, President of the Russian Peace Foundation, Chairman of the CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Committee of the Russian parliament Leonid Slutsky, member of the Defense Committee of the Russian parliament Maxim Shingarkin, Director of the UN information center in Moscow Vladimir Kuznetsov, army general Vladimir Lobov, President of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences Oleg Kuznetsov, representatives of government agencies from Kazakhstan and Russia, representatives of scientific and expert circles, public organizations, political analysts, and reporters took part in the conference.
During the conference the participants presented reports and exchanged views on the importance of Kazakhstan's initiatives in the area of nuclear security, disarmament, and non-proliferation, the role of weapons of mass destruction in international relations, and the adaptation of the international disarmament process to new historical conditions.
