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UN summit: “Switzerland wants a world without nuclear weapons”

PostedAugust 3, 2022, 11:02

UN summit“Switzerland wants a world without nuclear weapons”

In New York, Ignazio Cassis called for finding common measures against the dangers of the atom. This on the occasion of the summit of the signatory countries of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Ignazio Cassis represented Switzerland in New York.

AFP

“The use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic consequences.” This was declared by the President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis in New York, on the occasion of the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. In his speech, he stressed that Russian threats of nuclear weapons have highlighted the need to take a series of measures to reduce nuclear risks, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. , Wednesday.

The Ticino recalled that any use of nuclear weapons would break the taboo that dates back to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, more than 75 years ago, and would entail a risk of nuclear escalation. Reason why Bern wants to advance the blocked processes in the field of nuclear disarmament. “Switzerland wants the advent of a world without nuclear weapons,” recalled Ignazio Cassis.

An “urgent and necessary” course

The President of the Confederation asked for a signal to be sent at this conference so that nuclear weapons are never used again: “This conference must set the course for urgent and necessary change: reducing the role of nuclear weapons, reduce the likelihood of a nuclear accident or employment resulting from a misunderstanding. Words must be complemented by facts, to avoid humanitarian and environmental disasters.”

Ignazio Cassis also attaches great importance to the safety and security of nuclear installations for civil use. The Russian aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the risks associated with these installations, notes the FDFA. Switzerland is working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and with other states to have basic safety rules recognized.

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is a disarmament and non-proliferation treaty binding under international law. It aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and ultimately to abolish them, while guaranteeing the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Its 191 signatories meet every five years. The treaty was signed in July 1968 by the United States, the then Soviet Union and Great Britain, and ratified in 1970. Only India, Pakistan, Israel, South Sudan and Korea of the North are not members of the treaty today. Switzerland has been part of the NPT since 1977.

(cht)

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