The Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization visits Belarus

19-04-2017

On April 19, 2017 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, met with the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbro, who is on a visit to Belarus.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current state of entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), as well as nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation issues.

In the course of his visit, L.Zerbo participated in a round table-discussion “Time to finish what we started 20 years ago. The CTBT as a tool for trust in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament” held in the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.

The Heads of the Diplomatic Missions accredited in Belarus, representatives of Belarusian governmental bodies and academic community took part in the event.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Valentin Rybakov, delivered a welcome address to the participants of the round-table discussion.

In his statement, V.Rybakov stressed that Belarus would remain a consistent adherent to the process of nuclear disarmament and emphasized country's particular contribution to the international stability and security. The Deputy Minister recalled that 20 years ago Belarus concluded the withdrawal of nuclear weapons from its’ territory thus reaffirming its’ role of a regional leader in the field of international security.

Giving a very recent and vivid example of Belarusian endeavors to ensure international stability and security, V.Rybakov cited the completion of the destruction by Belarus of PFM-1 anti-personnel mines in accordance with the Ottawa Convention. The Deputy Minister appealed to the states that still did not sign or ratify the CTBT to do so as soon as possible.

In the course of the discussion, the participants shared views on the priorities of the CTBTO and the measures of strengthening international security. The co-chair of the CTBT’s Group of Eminent Persons and a former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Angela Kane, addressed the participants with a key-note speech.

Unique footage of the official ceremony of withdrawal of nuclear weapons from the territory of Belarus (1996)

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