Saud reiterates Nepal’s commitment to disarmament and world peace

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud has reiterated Nepal’s commitment to disarmament and world peace.

Addressing the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Fourth Review Conference of the United Nations on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons that kicked off in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Saud said Nepal’s commitment to disarmament is total and unequivocal. “It is one of the objectives of the Nepali foreign policy as well. As a party to NPT, CWC, BWC and a signatory to CTBT and TPNW, Nepal has been advocating for the promotion of disarmament,” Saud said, adding that Nepal refrains from aligning with any security alliances.

“While recognizing the legitimate rights of every nation to acquire small arms and light weapons for defence purposes, Nepal strongly advocates for non-proliferation and endorses measures aimed at preventing and controlling the illicit trade of these weapons,” Saud said, adding that Nepal believes unilateral, bilateral, and regional commitments constitute building-blocks and enabling steps towards disarmament at the global level. He also said civil society, private sector and academia have all important roles to play, along with the government, in creating a society free from armament.

The Member States of the United Nations adopted the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects in 2001 foreseeing that illicit use and trade in small arms and light weapons incites crimes and violence, endangers natural resources and wildlife, and undermines peace, security, stability and sustainable development at individual, local, national, regional and international levels.

Saud also expressed confidence that the Regional Preparatory Meeting will serve as an important platform for sharing experiences, identifying the pressing challenges, and preparing Nepal to negotiate fruitful outcomes during the 4th Review Conference scheduled for June.

Delegates from more than 25 countries across the Asia-Pacific region are participating in the meeting.