UN chief calls for engagement in talks for nuclear-weapon-free Mideast

Source
Xinhuanet
Editor
Li Jiayao
Time
2019-11-19 01:49:24

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for the engagement of states in talks for a Middle East zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

"Serious deliberations on a Middle East zone free of nuclear, chemical and other weapons of mass destruction would be an opportunity for the states of the region to engage in direct dialogue on arrangements that could address their security requirements," he told the opening of the first session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.

"I, therefore, hope this conference will serve as the start of an inclusive process in which all the states of the region can participate."

The significance of a prospective Middle East zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction extends far beyond the region, he noted.

Numerous consensus resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly have invited all parties to consider the appropriate means that may contribute to the goal of general and complete disarmament and the establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, said Guterres. "I hope all participants in this conference heed this invitation, which should provide a basis to consider the concerns of all states."

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