Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan K.Tokaev at the signing ceremony of the Central Asia Nuclear - Weapon - Free Zone Treaty (Semipalatinsk, 8 September 2006)

Excellencies,
Esteemed guests,
Ladies and gentlemen

It is a great honor and privilege to announce the signing of the Central Asian nuclear weapon free zone Treaty. Thereby the entire region formally renews its unflinching commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. It is also an effective contribution to combating most acute threats to peace and security and preventing fissile materials falling into the hands of terrorists groups.

On this memorable occasion I pay tribute to President Nazarbayev for his unprecedented decisions to close Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and abandon nuclear weapons thus demonstrating Kazakhstan’s sincere commitment to free and secure world.

I pay tribute to the dedication of our partners, valuable role of the United Nations and the whole international community whose effective support inspired and carried on our initiative.

I would also like to thank our distinguished guests and representatives of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, whose presence highlights today’s event.

The new denuclearized zone in Central Asia has a number of unique features. First, this zone includes the state, Kazakhstan which in the past possessed the forth largest nuclear arsenal. Secondly, for the first time the denuclearized zone is created in Northern hemisphere. Thirdly, this Treaty becomes the first multilateral agreement in security area which brings together all five Central Asian countries. And finally, for the first time the denuclearized zone has been created in the region which borders upon two nuclear states.

The signed Treaty will not only facilitate the strengthening of security of Central Asia, but will also be an important measure promoting regional confidence building and cooperation.

We are looking forward to jointly elaborate mechanisms of information exchange, verification procedures and properly fulfill Treaty provisions.

Kazakhstan expresses readiness to proceed with the Protocol to this Treaty in order to validate it. We therefore invite all permanent members of the UN Security Council to jointly work to this end.