Statement by the delegation of Armenia - Mr. Arsen Kotanjyan, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission at the Plenary Meeting of the Substantive Session of the Disarmament Commission - Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations

Statement by the delegation of Armenia - Mr. Arsen Kotanjyan, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission at the Plenary Meeting of the Substantive Session of the Disarmament Commission

08 April, 2025

Mr. Chair,

The full, comprehensive and effective implementation of all pillars of the NPT, namely non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful use is of immense importance. They are equally important and mutually reinforcing.

Armenia remains firmly committed to fulfilling its obligations under the NPT, which is a cornerstone of international security architecture and a landmark international document. We call upon the States that have not yet done so to join the NPT as non-nuclear weapon States.

In view of the emerging nuclear security threats, Armenia is consistently improving its nuclear security regime in close cooperation with its partners and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The safe use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is and will be a priority policy for Armenia. Driven by the successful uphold of high standards of safety and security in the operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and with an ultimate goal of smooth transition to a new capacity by 2036, Armenia opted for a transparent and open policy for safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy and will continue to pursue this policy further. In this respect we appreciate the crucial role of the cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency through its safeguards agreements and additional protocol, as well as its technical assistance program.

Armenia reiterates its principal position that nuclear facilities dedicated to peaceful purposes should under no circumstances become the target of an armed attack or a threat of attack. Armenia believes that the international community should be seized by proactive stance to achieve viable national mechanisms and the necessary level of international cooperation.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is another fundamental instrument that contributes to international security and disarmament. In view of the current global security situation, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the objectives of the CTBT and encourage Annex 2 states to sign and ratify the Treaty.

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 nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East.

We believe the upcoming NPT Review Conference can provide a unique opportunity for the international community to express its united commitment to the values and principles of the NPT, demonstrating necessary flexibility and prioritizing the global interest over the national agendas.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, its potential for wide-scale application has grown substantially across various sectors. While these advancements are impressive, they also raise concerns particularly in the context of their use in modern warfare.

Armenia reaffirms that international law particularly IHL is fully applicable to all weapon systems, including those incorporating artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies. As an essential first step toward ensuring compliance with IHL in relation to Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, it is imperative that any such systems incapable of being used in accordance with the core principles of IHL namely distinction, proportionality, and precaution must be prohibited. Systems that function without context-appropriate human control and judgment should be considered impermissible.

To this end ensuring that humans retain meaningful responsibility and accountability in the development and deployment of AI technologies in the military domain is of paramount importance. Decision-shaping and decision-making as well as obligations of responsibility and accountability must remain with humans and cannot be transferred to machines. In this regard, Armenia emphasizes the indispensable role of human judgment in the use of force and reiterates its significance in ensuring compliance with international legal obligations.

Mr. Chair,

Ensuring peace and international security is a collective endeavor that serves the common interests of all and demands sustained commitment and genuine determination. Armenia remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing negotiated multilateral solutions, promoting dialogue, and strengthening international cooperation to advance peace and security.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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