New york: The State of Qatar has affirmed its commitment to international mechanisms and measures aimed at disarmament, particularly regarding nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, in a bid to promote peace and security at both regional and international levels. This was conveyed by Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, during the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s First Committee at its 80th session held at the UN headquarters in New York.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Second Secretary highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the proliferation of conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. He noted that this threat has intensified due to persistent armed conflicts worldwide, compounded by a lack of effective arrangements and consensus to resolve or mitigate these conflicts, including efforts related to conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
The Second Secretary emphasized the need for the international community to enhance disarmament strategies at all levels, including for small arms and light weapons, to avoid the detrimental consequences of armed conflicts. He underscored the importance of effectively implementing agreements on monitoring and tracing these weapons and combating their illicit trade and trafficking, which contributes to curbing their spread and reducing conflict intensity.
He condemned the Israeli occupation forces’ targeting of civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip, including hospitals, schools, and refugee camps, stressing that such actions have resulted in a severe humanitarian catastrophe and substantial civilian casualties. He warned of the serious threat these actions pose to international peace and security, especially in the Middle East.
The State of Qatar has called for an immediate ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and essential supplies to those in need throughout Gaza. Additionally, the Second Secretary reiterated Qatar’s support for the United Nations Conference on establishing a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction. He expressed backing for the Kingdom of Morocco’s presidency of the conference’s sixth session, set to conclude in November, and hoped for full regional cooperation to ensure the conference’s success and its goals of enhancing regional and global peace and security.
The Second Secretary also highlighted Qatar’s dedication to implementing treaties and agreements on nuclear non-proliferation, the prohibition of nuclear weapons, and preventing their use, testing, or threat of use. He noted Qatar’s efforts to update its national laws and procedures on disarmament and non-proliferation in alignment with its international commitments.