Statement by H.E. Mr. Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN at the UNGA73/First Committee General Debate

15 October, 2018

Mr. Chairman,
On behalf of the Armenian Delegation I want to congratulate the members of the Bureau on the assumption of the leadership of the Committee and to assure of our full cooperation and support.
Armenia strongly supports international non-proliferation regimes, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Chemical weapons Convention, the Biological weapons convention and other relevant treaties, which are indispensable for maintaining international peace and security.
Armenia continues to take a strong stance in support of the exceptional role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in facilitating and coordinating nuclear security activities among Member States, as well as international organizations and initiatives. As a Member of the IAEA Board of Governors for the years 2017-2019 Armenia brings its contribution to the collective efforts aimed at strengthening the nuclear security architecture.
We attach great importance to reinforcing nuclear security both at national and international levels through the ratification and implementation of international legal instruments as well as the establishment of robust national legislation. Armenia fully implements its international obligations under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 and is a member of the Group of Friends of the Resolution. The National Action Plan of Armenia for 2015-2020, is an important additional voluntary measure that outlines series of steps reflecting already implemented national measures as well as outlining the ongoing and anticipated activities.

Mr. Chairman,
Armenia continues its active involvement in counter-proliferation initiatives such as Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT), and fully shares its key objectives enshrined in the Statement of Principles. We consider GICNT as an important platform to develop partnership capacities, examining best practices and techniques related to terrorist threats or incidents involving radiological/nuclear material and coordinating activities to promote information exchange among interdisciplinary groups of experts.
Armenia attaches high priority to the full implementation of BWC, through its instruments, at national and international levels. Armenia has undertaken significant steps towards implementation of the provisions of BWC by elaborating a National Program of Action and with the valuable assistance of its international partners has been constantly strengthening its national capacities and capabilities in the area of biological safety and security.

Mr. Chairman,
We firmly believe, that effective, functioning and comprehensive Conventional Arms Control regime, as well as faithful implementation of the commitments under CFE, is vital for military transparency, predictability and security at international, regional and sub-regional dimensions. Armenia is committed to the maintenance of the legally binding conventional arms control regime in Europe and fully complies with its obligations on force limitations, as well as on on-site inspections and exchange of information on its armed forces under the CFE.
This year Armenia received overall 8 inspections and evaluation visits under the CFE Treaty, OSCE Vienna Document and bilateral arrangements. The reports of these inspections have reaffirmed Armenia’s full compliance with the letter and spirit of the above international documents.

Mr. Chairman,
Armenia considers the Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects as an important instrument aimed at promoting safer and more peaceful security environment at global and regional levels.
The illicit trafficking and circulation of SALW is not only a major source of insecurity but also impedes socio-economic development and contributes to gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Mr. Chairman,
Armenia is an active contributor to the international peace and security through its involvement in various peacekeeping missions. We attach particular importance to our participation in the UN-mandated peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and Mali. We are also determined to further enhance our peacekeeping capabilities being convinced that peacekeeping operations, executed in accordance and compliance with the UN Security Council mandate, are crucial for promoting stability, peace and security. It is with this understanding that Armenia co-sponsored the Vancouver principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers in November 2017. We have also endorsed the Declaration of Shared Commitments on UN Peacekeeping Operations launched in September this year by the Secretary-General within the framework of Action for Peacekeeping Initiative.

Mr. Chairman,
We unequivocally denounce all forms and manifestations of terrorism regardless of motives or narratives. In the context of addressing threats stemming from or related to Foreign Terrorist Fighters, the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2396 in December 2017 represents an important milestone to prevent FTFs from traveling to conflict areas or relocating to third countries and effectively address related risks. In this regard the Armenian Government has already initiated a number of practical steps and measures to ensure appropriate implementation of provisions enshrined in the resolution, including the introduction of Advance Passenger Information and Passengers Name Record systems.
We resolutely condemn any attempt to justify and glorify incitement to violence and bellicose rhetoric. It is important to recognize and combat extremist and fundamentalist ideologies emanating from certain countries and terrorist or other criminal groups that encourage hatred and discriminatory attitudes towards neighbors, minorities or those of different identity.

Mr. Chairman,
As a supporter of the concept of regional engagement, Armenia has been consistently promoting the efficiency and the role of regional mechanisms, including for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Armenia has always been a strong advocate for confidence building and regional cooperation and has continuously contributed to the discussions aimed at reinvigoration of the framework of arms control and CSBMs.
In conclusion, I would like to stress once again that Armenia fully supports the principle of the indivisibility of the International security, with the understanding that each and every country shares a responsibility to guarantee peace and security for all. We are committed to the strengthening of the institutional capacities of the United Nations in these fields and stand ready to contribute to the work of the Committee through a constructive dialogue.

I thank you.

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