Secretary-General, in Anniversary Message, Hails Brazilian-Argentine Agency’s Unique Role in Global Nuclear Non-proliferation Framework

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Brazilian–Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC), in New York today:

On the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC), the Secretary-General congratulates both Governments on this achievement.  It is testament to their enduring commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

ABACC has played a unique role in the global nuclear non-proliferation framework.  It was instrumental in consolidating the nuclear-weapon-free zone in Latin America and the Caribbean under the Treaty of Tlatelolco, demonstrating the viability of regional approaches to safeguards and verification.

This approach remains highly relevant as other States continue to pursue arms control and measures to ensure the complete absence of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction at the regional level.  The political and legal framework established by Argentina and Brazil should serve as a source of inspiration for both regional and global efforts towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons.