Canada's Explanation After Vote on Resolution L.2 Rev.1

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Conference on Disarmament

General Assembly First Committee

UN Disarmament Commission

Special Session on Disarmament

Canada’s Explanation After Vote on
the New Agenda Coalition’s draft resolution L.2 Rev.1:
Reductions of non-strategic nuclear weapons

Mr. Chairman,

I have asked for the floor to explain the Government of Canada’s abstention on draft resolution L.2/Rev.1* on "Reductions of non-strategic nuclear weapons".

The objective of the Government of Canada is the complete elimination of all nuclear weapons. Canada believes that the current security and the ultimate fate of the more than 12,000 non-strategic nuclear weapons in existence are subjects warranting discussion and action, as and when appropriate, in this and other multilateral fora. Many elements of the resolution submitted by the New Agenda Coalition on this subject are consistent with long-standing Canadian nuclear disarmament policy, but Canada abstained on the resolution on the basis of our conviction that it is most productive for the present to focus on the detailed technical aspects of this issue, in the fora currently appropriate for such discussions. Have no doubt, Mr. Chairman, that Canada will continue to pursue both the technical and the broader policy questions actively with friends and allies over the coming months. As part of this approach, we plan to continue a constructive dialogue with the sponsors of the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.