Secretary-General Reaffirms Strong Support for Facilitator of Conference

On Establishing Nuclear-weapon-free Zone in Middle East

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The facilitator of the Conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction, Jaako Laajava, Under-Secretary of State of Finland, met yesterday with the Secretary-General to brief him on the preparations and prospects for convening the Conference, which Finland is ready to host in Helsinki in mid-December.

The Secretary-General reaffirms his strong support for Mr. Laajava and welcomes his intensive efforts, including his participation at a meeting in Cairo on 7 October with senior representatives from the Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States, United Nations and the League of Arab States Senior Officials Committee.

The Secretary-General also reaffirms his strong commitment to convene the Conference.  He underlines the importance of the Conference, which is a unique opportunity for all States of the region to collectively enhance their security.  He urges all States of the region to participate in and contribute to a successful Conference.

The Secretary-General welcomes the commitment of the League of Arab States to continue to approach the Conference in a serious and constructive manner, and their hope that this enables other States in the region to engage in a similar spirit.

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For information media • not an official record