Statement by H.E. CHO Hyun
Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Republic of Korea
at the
Conference on Disarmament (CD)

March, 1, 2010

Mr. President,
Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,

It is a great honor and pleasure for me to speak today in this historic chamber, which has been the home of international arms control efforts and has given the world such milestone treaties as the NPT, the CWC, the BWC and the CTBT.

As an ardent supporter of multilateral efforts for disarmament and non-proliferation, the Republic of Korea would like to extend its congratulations to Ambassador Mikhail Khovstov of Belarus and the other five members of the Six Presidents (P6) on their assumption of the very challenging and yet vital chairmanship of the Conference on Disarmament (CD).

It is indeed my earnest wish that, with the joint efforts of all Member States, new life may be breathed into the CD and that it live up to its reputation as the single multilateral forum for the negotiations in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. Let me assure you of my government’s full support and cooperation in your noble endeavors.

Mr. President,

There has been growing criticism that the multilateral disarmament process has been in disarray in the last decade. Some have described it as a “Lost Decade.” The CD, at the center of such criticism, has often been viewed as a forum which mired in standoffs and arguments. It is deeply regrettable, despite long-awaited adoption of programme of work (CD/1864) in last May, that the Conference could not resolve differences over how to implement the work programme and failed to resume substantive discussions.

However, we have witnessed numerous evident signs that the international disarmament machinery is gearing up for a new era, bringing to an end a decade of stalemate. The US government looks firmly committed to be more forthcoming on disarmament and non-proliferation issues. The prospects for the entry into force of the CTBT are brighter than ever. In addition, a new agreement to replace the START will be produced soon, with the firm commitment to further reductions in the two largest nuclear weapon states.

Furthermore, many non-governmental initiatives are generating fresh momentum with concrete proposals on the total elimination of nuclear weapons such as the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND) and Global Zero Initiative. It seems that a new consensus is forming that ‘a world without nuclear weapons’ is indeed an achievable policy goal.

With these promising factors in mind, I believe that we should exert full efforts to ensure that these endeavors bear tangible fruit. I am eager to see the CD put back to work to carry out its unique mission.

To that end, I call for all Member States to show flexibility and political will in order to reach a consensus on a 2010 programme of work and begin substantive negotiations at the earliest possible date.

Mr. President,

Turning to the core issues of the CD, the Republic of Korea stands firm in support of the CD/1864 which embodies a balanced and realistic approach to the seven issues of the Conference, in particular four core ones. All of the agenda items listed in CD/1864 are important. However, my government places particular emphasis on the early commencement of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) because a FMCT can be not only a significant building block for both nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, but indeed a tool for mutual trust and transparency.

It is true that there are different positions on the issue due to differences in security environments and the perceptions of each state. However, it is also true that there is consensus that this issue should be addressed as a matter of urgency. In this regard, I believe that the time is ripe for negotiations on a FMCT. And I would like to remind all of us here in this chamber that the CD has a special role to play in addressing that issue.

On nuclear disarmament, we recognize that significant progress has been made thus far in addressing the issue of nuclear arsenals, unilaterally and bilaterally, We also appreciate ongoing efforts made by nuclear weapon states. At the same time, however, I believe that nuclear weapon states need to demonstrate their commitment to nuclear disarmament through more concrete measures. By doing so, I believe that nuclear weapon states can enjoy greater moral authority and political legitimacy to call upon non-nuclear weapon states to join them in strengthening non-proliferation norms. Furthermore, it is of utmost importance that we restore trust and nurture a spirit of cooperation between nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states.

In addition, my government supports the concept of negative security assurances as a practical means of reducing the sense of insecurity of non-nuclear weapon states. I believe that nuclear weapons states should provide credible security assurances to non-nuclear weapons states that faithfully meet their NPT and safeguards obligations.

The Republic of Korea, as a country which is actively pursuing a peaceful space program, views space security, including the prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS), as an important issue of great relevance for the CD. I believe that the discussion on the PAROS at the Conference will contribute to international efforts to address any possible weakness in the existing framework for the security of outer space.

Mr. President

Taking this opportunity, I would like to share with you an overview of the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. The peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue remains vital to securing peace and security in Northeast Asia as well as sustaining the integrity of the global non-proliferation regime.

The Republic of Korea maintains the firm position that a nuclear North Korea will not be tolerated. To this end, together with the international community, the Republic of Korea has faithfully implemented UN Security Council Resolutions with a view to achieving the denuclearization of the DPRK, while leaving the door to dialogue open to North Korea.

We believe the Six-Party Talks is the most viable framework for the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue. We urge North Korea to promptly return to the Six-Party Talks and show a sincere attitude toward denuclearization.

President Lee Myung-bak of ROK proposed a "Grand Bargain" which demonstrates our willingness to achieve a fundamental resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue. Departing from the incremental and partial approach of the past, the ‘Grand Bargain” aims at capturing in a single agreement all steps related to North Korea’s irreversible, complete and verifiable denuclearization.

Mr. President,

The year 2010 is a truly crucial juncture in the disarmament and non-proliferation community. I believe that 2010 NPT Review Conference should send a clear message to the world that, despite all challenges, the NPT is a robust cornerstone of the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. The Republic of Korea will do its best for the success of the Review Conference.

With the Review Conference just two months away, the international community is now according the CD its full attention. All of us in this room share the primary responsibility to respond to the imperative call. We need to demonstrate that the CD is a valuable element in the robust machinery of the global non-proliferation regime.

To that end, it is important to exercise flexibility and a spirit of cooperation. We should not lose this golden opportunity. It is with such dedication that we continue to place our hopes in the CD for its further contribution to international disarmament and non-proliferation. The Republic of Korea remains fully committed to the noble endeavors.

Thank you, Mr. president