Mr. President,
China has always supported the principals and objectives of NPT and is strongly committed to strengthening the Treaty's universality, effectiveness and authority. The Middle East nuclear issue is a complex and sensitive subject in the NPT review process and it is regrettable that there has been no positive progress achieved in this regard for many years.
China believes that the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is conducive to strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, easing regional tensions and enhancing regional peace and security. China calls on all parties to strengthen dialogue and consultation, to actively seek solutions, and to convene relevant international conference as soon as possible. China expects the Agency and the Director General to continue to play an active role in this regard.
Mr. President,
China is of the position that all countries in the Middle East should join the NPT as non-nuclear weapon states as soon as possible, place all nuclear facilities under comprehensive safeguards, earnestly fulfill their obligations under the NPT and sign and ratify the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and the Additional Protocol at an early date.
Thank you, Mr. President.