SECRETARY-GENERAL HAILS INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC STUDIES CONFERENCE AS IMPORTANT

STEP IN GAUGING ABILITY, READINESS TO DETECT NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS WORLDWIDE

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the International Scientific Studies Conference in Vienna today, 10 June:

Excellencies,

Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This International Scientific Studies Conference could not be more timely.  On 25 May, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea conducted an underground nuclear test in clear violation of Security Council resolutions.  This direct challenge to international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts underscores the urgency of ensuring the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

Despite these and other recent events, I sense increased political will for disarmament.  As we prepare for the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, we must make the most of this momentum.  The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is central to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.  Its early entry into force depends on a credible verification regime.

This Conference is an important step in gauging our ability and readiness to detect nuclear explosions worldwide.  I believe we are well on track.  There have been significant advances in science and technology related to verification.  The Treaty’s International Monitoring System is approaching full implementation.  And we have successfully conducted on-site inspection exercises.

I am pleased, too, that this Conference will address other potential benefits of the Treaty’s verification technologies, for example to provide early warning of tsunamis in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Human well-being would be enhanced immeasurably by removing the threat of nuclear conflict.  I commend your efforts towards a binding global ban on nuclear testing, and wish you a successful conference.

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For information media • not an official record