New York, April 29 (QNA) - The State of Qatar stressed the importance of strict implementation of the obligations arising from international agreements in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, who headed the State of Qatar's delegation participating in the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), before the general debate of the 2026 NPT Review Conference, at the UN headquarters in New York.

Her Excellency stressed that the NPT is the cornerstone of the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime and an essential instrument for achieving collective security, which requires a full, balanced and non-selective commitment to implementing its three pillars, noting that the Review Conference contributes to focusing efforts to achieve the goals set out in this important treaty.

Regarding the Middle East, Her Excellency said that the 1995 resolution on the Middle East is an integral part of the treaty system, stressing the need to implement this resolution by establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, which is a fundamental step towards achieving security and stability in the region.

She also expressed the State of Qatar's hope that the current session of the NPT Review Conference would adopt outcomes that support this goal, stressing Qatar's support for the fraternal Sultanate of Oman as chair of the current session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Regarding the failure of the NPT review conferences in 2015 and 2022 to produce a consensus document, HE Permanent Representative stressed the importance of redoubling efforts and demonstrating genuine political will to revive international consensus in order to reach outcomes and results that contribute to achieving the objectives of the current Review Conference and to achieving international security, while emphasizing the importance of nuclear-weapon states making concrete and time-bound commitments to the complete and total elimination of those weapons in accordance with Article VI of the NPT.

Her Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar emphasizes the pivotal role of the International Atomic Energy Agency as the competent international body for verifying states' commitment to using nuclear materials and technology for peaceful purposes only, while also stressing the importance of strengthening the comprehensive safeguards system and the Additional Protocol, as well as good faith full cooperation to ensure the peaceful and responsible nature of nuclear activities.

HE Permanent Representative underscored the importance of taking into account the highest standards of safety and security, and limiting the risks of radioactive leakage and its effects on neighboring countries, the environment and water sources, with verifiable guarantees that it will not be diverted for military purposes. She called for all countries to join international agreements related to nuclear safety, and to commit to not transferring nuclear technology and materials to countries that are not parties to the treaty without meeting safety and security requirements.

Regarding the course of the war in the Arabian Gulf region and the serious, multifaceted repercussions for international peace and security that followed, Her Excellency reaffirmed the State of Qatar's firm position of condemning the threats and attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the State of Qatar and the Arab Gulf States, and condemning all violations targeting its national sovereignty and the sovereignty of the countries of the region, including targeting civilian facilities and energy facilities.

This attack constitutes a violation of international law and international humanitarian law, Her Excellency pointed out, emphasizing the need for sustainable peaceful solutions and welcoming the ongoing mediation efforts led by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to consolidate the truce and create conditions for dialogue that prevents renewed escalation.

HE Permanent Representative affirmed that the State of Qatar will continue to work with its partners to ensure that this conference leads to real results that enhance collective security and brings everyone closer to that goal. (QNA)