Minister Erkki Tuomioja's speech in the UN General Assembly: Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBT)

H.E. Mr Erkki Tuomioja
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland

United Nations, New York
23 September, 2011

Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Finland fully associates herself with the statement given by Mr. / Ms. XXX on behalf of the European Union.

The current voluntary moratoriums on nuclear weapon tests are of great importance, but Finland wishes to underline that they cannot be a substitute for a global ban. It is time to close the door on nuclear weapons tests. The CTBT’s entry into force will considerably strengthen the world’s security architecture and benefit the whole world.

The provisional verification regime imbedded in the Treaty has already proven to be very useful, as was seen lastly in the aftermath of the Fukushima accident, where the CTBTO provided crucial assistance through its monitoring stations, by issuing rapid alerts to populations in coastal areas.

Now it is time to act: Finland calls upon all States that have not yet signed and ratified the CTBT, to do so without further delay. I address my words in particular to the nine remaining Annex 2 States. Let’s keep up the momentum and find political will that reflects the successful outcome of the 2010 Review Conference of the NPT.

As a longstanding member of the “Friends of the CTBT” my country is committed to continue supporting the entry into force of this very important Treaty. I sincerely hope that this conference will lead to real action. Fifteen years of waiting is enough.

Thank you.