NATO
- NATO Allies underline their strong commitment to the full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
- Ever since its entry-into-force in 1970, the NPT has significantly stemmed the spread of nuclear weapons around the world, serving the security interest of all NPT States Parties, including NATO Allies. The NPT is an essential cornerstone of the global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture, and the framework for international cooperation in sharing the benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science, and technology.
- Today's deteriorating security environment poses challenges relevant to the NPT, as proliferation crises continue and escalate.
- Russia has violated crucial arms control commitments and employed irresponsibly threatening nuclear rhetoric. China continues to rapidly expand and diversify its nuclear arsenal without transparency. Both have increased ties with States that seek to proliferate nuclear weapons and undermine international arms control. Allies strongly encourage the United States' pursuit of multilateral strategic stability.
- As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. The fundamental purpose of NATO's nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression. Allies have always adhered to their obligations under the NPT and continue to do so. NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements have always been fully consistent with the NPT and have been in place since before the NPT entered into force in 1970 and at the NPT's indefinite extension in 1995. NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements have been key in preventing proliferation, one of the NPT's core goals.
- Allies reject any attempt to delegitimise nuclear deterrence and reiterate that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons does not change the legal obligations on our countries with respect to nuclear weapons.
- Allies are resolved to contribute to the preservation, universalisation, and full implementation of the NPT. Allies remain firmly committed to arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation efforts, with a focus on promoting transparency, reducing risk, and enhancing security. Allies also remain firmly committed to promoting cooperation in peaceful uses.
- Allies continue to support all the objectives of the Treaty, including Article VI, with a view towards worldwide verifiable elimination of nuclear weapons, based on the principle of undiminished security for all.
- We will work towards a successful NPT Review Conference, and stand ready to work with all NPT States Parties towards that same goal.
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