United States delivers a positive statement to the NPT PrepCom

On 5 May, the US delegation, headed by Rose Gottemoeller, delivered a statement during the Committee's general debate. The statement was a very encouraging sign that this US administration is taking the NPT seriously and is ready to change its attitude toward and position on a few key aspects of the implementation of the Treaty.

Gottemoeller read a message to the PrepCom from President Obama, which reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the Treaty and to achieving a successful outcome at this Committee and at next year's Review Conference.

She then delivered an assessment of the United States' basic positions on each of the three pillars of the Treaty: disarmament, non-proliferation, and nuclear energy. She reaffirmed that the US would seek ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and negotiations on a Fissile Materials Cut-off Treaty. Most importantly, she reaffirmed the decision to extend the NPT in 1995 and the decision made at the 1995 and 2000 Review Conferences, including the 1995 Middle East resolution. The statement did not make any reference to Iran or North Korea.

Check the Reaching Critical Will website soon for a complete copy of the US statement.