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Press release 22 September 2016

Statement by Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov at the 8th Ministerial meeting organized by the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

Statement by Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, at the 8th Ministerial meeting organized by the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

New-York, 21 September 2016

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

- Let me start by thanking the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) for convening this important meeting aimed at facilitation of an early entry into force of the CTBT.

- This year marks the 20th Anniversary since the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty opened for the signatories. Azerbaijan was one of the countries that supported the initiative right from its commencement.

- We regard entry into force of the CTBT as a crucial step for realization of the nuclear-free world as envisaged in the Non-Proliferation Treaty. In addition to its potential contribution to the nuclear disarmament, we also highly value civilian and scientific benefits that derive from the Treaty verification system.

- We commend the efforts by the CTBTO to address nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation issues.

- We welcome the voluntary moratorium exercised by several states on nuclear tests. However, the moratoria by individual states cannot substitute the entry into force of the Treaty, which is essential step for international peace and security. We once again call on all remaining Annex II States that have yet to ratify the Treaty spare no effort to do so.

- Being committed to the vision of the nuclear free world enshrined in the NPT, Azerbaijan actively supports international efforts to that end. I am pleased to inform that Azerbaijan facilitates the implementation of the Join Comprehensive Plan of Action on the nuclear program of Iran, including by enabling transit the materials within the scope of the agreement through our territory.

- Taking the opportunity, I would like to congratulate Angola for ratifying the Treaty since the last meeting in this format.

- In conclusion, I once again thank the Friends of the CTBT, as well as the Article XIV Coordinators for their tireless efforts in universalization and entry into force of the Treaty.

Thank you.

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