LOC15:06
12:06 GMT
NEW DELHI, June 9 (KUNA) -- India Monday suggested several measures
including a Nuclear Weapons Convention prohibiting the development,
production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons and their destruction
within a specific timeframe, for working towards the goal of a nuclear weapons
free world.
Inauguratin a two-day International Conference on "Towards A World Free Of
Nuclear Weapons" here today, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said
that India has recently submitted a Working Paper on Nuclear Disarmament to
the UN General Assembly, containing initiatives on nuclear disarmament.
He said, "These proposals have also been submitted before the Conference on
Disarmament in Geneva. They are a set of practical measures for working
towards the goal of a nuclear weapons free world."
"The measures we suggest include -- Reaffirmation of the unequivocal
commitment of all nuclear weapon States to the goal of complete elimination of
nuclear weapons; Reduction of the salience of nuclear weapons in security
doctrines; Adoption of measures by nuclear weapon States to reduce nuclear
danger, including the risks of accidental use of nuclear weapons; Negotiation
of a global agreement among nuclear weapon States on no-first-use of nuclear
weapons; Negotiation of a universal and legally-binding agreement on non-use
of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon States; Negotiation of a
Convention on the complete prohibition of the use or threat of use of nuclear
weapons; and Negotiation of a Nuclear Weapons Convention prohibiting the
development, production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons and on their
destruction, leading to the global, non-discriminatory and verifiable
elimination of nuclear weapons with a specified timeframe," the Prime Minister
announced.
Speaking on the emerging threats to global order, Dr Manmohan Singh said,
"There is a growing risk that nuclear weapons may be acquired by terrorists or
those driven by extreme ideologies; the increasing danger of non-state actors,
accessing nuclear materials and devices; the development of new weapon systems
based on emerging technologies which pose challenges to space security and
provide new roles for nuclear weapons; and the weakening of multilateralism
even as bilateral arms control processes falter in shifting strategic
landscapes."
He said, "India is fully aware of its responsibilities as a nuclear weapon
state. We have a declared doctrine of no first-use that is based on credible
minimum deterrence. We have in place strict controls on export of nuclear and
fissile related materials and technology. India has no intention to engage in
an arms race with anyone" India is fully committed to nuclear disarmament that
is global, universal and non-discriminatory in nature," he said, adding, "The
only effective form of nuclear disarmament and elimination of nuclear weapons
is global disarmament" even today the nuclear arsenals in possession of the
major powers are enough to destroy the world many times over."
"India is ready to add its own weight and voice to the global debate on
nuclear disarmament with a view to crafting such a consensus on disarmament
and non-proliferation. We need a collective approach anchored in a universal
partnership that is supported by non-governmental communities and public
opinion" We seek a world in which power flows through the empowerment of
people, and from the strength and resilience of our economy, our society, our
institutions and our values," the Prime Minister stressed.
On Indias nuclear energy needs, he said, "Our energy needs will continue
to rise in the foreseeable future. We do not have the luxury of limiting our
options of energy sources. We therefore wish to create an international
environment in which nuclear technology is used not for destructive purposes
but for helping us meet our national development goals and our energy security.
"
The conference will also be addressed by Indias Vice President Hamid
Ansari and Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee. It is being
organised to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 'Action Plan' initiated
by India's late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Twenty years ago, on this day,
Gandhi had addressed the Third Special Session on Disarmament of the UN
General Assembly and announced an Action Plan. (end)
dr.bz.
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