STATEMENT BY PHILIP REEKER, ACTING SPOKESMAN

Conclusion of 2000 NPT Review Conference

On May 20 at United Nations Headquarters, the Parties to the 1970 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons took an important decision. At the conclusion of a month long conference, the parties adopted by consensus a document that reviewed the operation of the Treaty and set forth future steps that could strengthen its operation. It is an important signal of the strength of the NPT that countries with widely varying views on nuclear disarmament and regional issues could find common ground.

Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, in her statement to the opening plenary on April 24, made clear the importance the United States attaches to the NPT and to its role in promoting security for all. Congratulations are due to all the Conference participants for charting a future course that ensures the Treaty will continue to contribute to international peace and stability into the 21st century. Ambassador Abdallah Baali of Algeria, the President of the Conference, deserves a special tribute for his commitment, hard work and skill in furthering this outcome.

In the consensus document, the parties emphasized the importance of universal adherence to the NPT and of strict compliance with its terms, noted the crucial role of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards in enforcing the Treaty's undertakings, endorsed steps that would lead to further reductions in nuclear weapons and would promote the irreversibility of the nuclear disarmament process, and stressed the key role of the Treaty in encouraging the peaceful application of nuclear techniques to build prosperity for all.

Secretary Albright said on April 24 that working together the parties to the NPT can help to build a world that is safer and more secure for all peoples. The constructive cooperation and leadership that led to the consensus document has indeed contributed importantly to this objective.