Major powers seek to block nuclear ban
THE US, Britain, France and other major powers protested on Monday as the UN began work on what backers said would be a binding prohibition on nuclear weapons.
Russia and China also sat out the opening General Assembly session. Russia had voted against launching the effort last year. China abstained.
The proposed ban, backed by Pope Francis, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and dozens of humanitarian and non-proliferation groups, sets most of the major nuclear powers against more than 100 smaller non-nuclear states that seek a treaty this year.
Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN said: “Is there anyone who believes North Korea would agree to give up its nuclear weapons on the UN’s orders?”
She and representatives from Britain and France spoke to reporters as the UN General Assembly began discussion on the issue. More than 30 nations sat out the first session in support of the argument that a blanket ban now is impractical or dangerous.
“Is it any surprise that Iran is supportive of this?” Haley asked. North Korea developed nuclear weapons through a rogue programme and is attempting to field a long-range missile that could deliver a weapon to US shores, according to officials. It can already target US forces and allies in Asia, they say.
Iran denies it sought a nuclear weapon, but agreed to curtail its nuclear programme in an international deal led by former president Barack Obama and heavily criticised by President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration has not yet said whether it will affirm the long-range goal of eliminating nuclear weapons or pledge to further shrink the US arsenal. The White House is conducting a new nuclear posture review expected to take a year or more.
Haley said the US and other major powers boycotting the UN discussion “believe in” the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The landmark treaty that took effect in 1970 commits nations with nuclear weapons to move toward disarmament while prohibiting non-nuclear states from obtaining the weapons. Signers of the treaty also agree all nations may have access to nuclear power and other peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Trump has suggested US allies Japan and South Korea could develop nuclear weapons and defend themselves, instead of relying on the US and also said nuclear weapons could be effective against Islamic State militants. He said he wanted the USto have an up-to-date and perhaps expanded nuclear arsenal, but that he would like to see a nuclear-free world.
At Monday’s General Assembly session, diplomats said they would pursue a draft document this year.