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PAKISTAN MISSION TO THE

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK

FIRST COMMITTEE

Statement by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva, on Agenda Item 68 "Establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in South Asia" in the First Committee of the 52nd Session of the General  Assembly on 6 November 1997.

Mr. Chairman,

I have asked for the floor to introduce the draft resolution in document A/C.1/52/L.38 entitled "Establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in South Asia".

The UN General Assembly first endorsed the creation of such a nuclear-weapon-free zone in South Asia in its Resolution 3265 B (XXIX) of 19 December 1974. This endorsement has been reaffirmed by successive General Assembly sessions by ever-increasing votes each year for the past 22 years.

The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones was considered by the 1978 first Special Session of the UN General Assembly devoted to disarmament. It was endorsed by the Special Session as an important process which would strengthen the international community's efforts to promote nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.

Nuclear-weapon-free zones have been established in several regions of the world where the States concerned recognised the importance of these measures in their endeavours to promote regional and international peace and security. The Treaty of Tlatelolco, the Treaty of Pelindaba, the Treaty of Rarotonga and the Bangkok Treaty testify the validity and success of regional measures to promote non-proliferation and security. These important agreements have led to the serious consideration of making the entire Southern Hemisphere a nuclear weapon free zone.

Pakistan's proposal for establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in South Asia predates several of these successful initiatives. It is motivated by the desire to preclude the possibility of a nuclear arms race whose specter was brought to South Asia by the 1974 Pokhran nuclear explosion. We believe that despite the passage of several years and the development of nuclear capabilities in South Asia, the proposal remains valid today. It continues to manifest our commitment to seek practical modalities and agreements to promote the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the region of South Asia. It is part of our endeavour to promote a comprehensive approach to resolving problems in our region including the resolution of disputes and promoting security by addressing conventional and nuclear issues.

Pakistan remains hopeful that with the necessary cooperation and dialogue a suitable and effective regime can be established in South Asia to prevent the proliferation of nuclear arms. This would be in keeping with unilateral declarations made at the highest levels by the leaders of South Asia, pledging themselves not to acquire, develop or manufacture nuclear weapons.

The draft resolution in document A/C.1/52/L.38 reaffirms the international community's firm support to the objective of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in South Asia. This objective constitutes an urgent priority in view of the danger of nuclear escalation and aggravation of tensions in the region.

It is the sincere hope of the Pakistan delegation that the draft resolution in document A/C.1/52/L.38 will be adopted once again with the widest possible majority by this Committee and the UN General Assembly.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

For further information please contact:
Pakistan Mission, 8 East 65th Street, New York NY 10021.
Tel: (212) 879.8600 or E-Mail: pakistan@undp.org