Statement by Mr. Andranik Grigoryan, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Armenia, at the UNGA77 First Committee Thematic Discussion on Nuclear Weapons

18 October, 2022

Thank you Chair,

Armenia considers that in current turbulent international environment the effective implementation and reinforcement of the disarmament and non-proliferation mechanisms are of utmost importance. We reiterate our continuous support to the idea of the world free of nuclear weapons.

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains a cornerstone of the international security architecture, a landmark international document, which is designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and its technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving general and complete disarmament. Armenia reiterates its firm support for the full, complete, and effective implementation of the NPT and call upon the States that have not yet done so to join the NPT as non-nuclear weapon States. We regret that the tenth review conference of NPT was not able to reach a consensus on its final document. However, we look forward to the beginning of the new review cycle and relevant discussions towards achieving tangible progress on all three pillars of the treaty, including on Article 6 obligations, which will reinforce the international security architecture.

The dialogue between nuclear weapon states traditionally played an important role in achieving progress with regard to nuclear arms control. We welcome the extension of the New Start treaty, as well as the commitment of the Nuclear Weapons States to the prevention of nuclear war and avoiding arms races and reaffirmation, that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. We urge also to pursue joint efforts in the areas of nuclear disarmament verification, transparency and confidence building measures.

Armenia considers the Comprehensive test-ban treaty to be an indispensable pillar and tool for the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and disarmament. We therefore support all the efforts aimed at promoting the entry into force of the Treaty and we would like to assure of Armenia’s readiness to bring its contribution towards achieving this goal. The verification and monitoring system of the CTBTO is an important asset and efficient non-proliferation instrument. Another necessary step towards disarmament is the commencement of negotiations on banning the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices.

Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones are an important regional approach to strengthening global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament norms and consolidating international efforts towards peace and security. Armenia reaffirms its full support for the establishment of a zone free of nuclear and all other weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems in the Middle East, agreed at the 1995 NPT Review Conference.

As a strong supporter of the non-proliferation policies, Armenia reiterates its full compliance with the IAEA safeguards agreements and additional protocol. The development of effective cooperation established with the IAEA has been highlighted during the recent visit of the Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi to Armenia.

We attach immense importance to the strengthening of the nuclear security framework globally and establishment of effective and sustainable nuclear security regimes on national levels. International cooperation has been playing an essential role in Armenia’s efforts to improve the physical protection regime. Thanks to such cooperation, the Armenian nuclear power plant has been implementing a number of projects for the enhancement of nuclear security at the facility level in line with relevant recommendations of the IAEA. We stress the inadmissibility of threats against the Armenian nuclear power.

Armenia values the IAEA’s key role in facilitating international cooperation on matters relating to nuclear security, including in the context of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, as amended. We need to work towards achieving a prompt international understanding and acceptance that there is a need to revitalize the process of elaboration of an international legally binding treaty prohibiting armed attacks and threats of attacks against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes.

In closing, we would like to express our hope that inclusive and transparent discussions on global security matters will bring our understandings closer and will create more conducive environment for achieving tangible results in the areas of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.

Thank you.

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications