Statement of Austria at the UNGA72

Nuclear weapons: “The potential humanitarian consequences of a nuclear explosion became a growing concern.”

Nuclear weapons: “And the crisis in North Korea demonstrates that the risk of a nuclear confrontation is higher than the world has seen in a long time.”

Landmines/Arms Trade: “Despite the Minsk Agreements, heavy weapons continue to move into the region, and mines are being laid.”

Non-proliferation: “On a global level, poverty, hunger and climate change as well as organized crime and the proliferation of weapons remain key concerns.”

Nuclear Weapons: “The risk of a nuclear confrontation today is bigger than it has been in a long time. The consequences of a nuclear explosion are extremely grave. Nuclear disarmament remains the number one unfinished business. And the recent escalation of tension by the DPRK is a clear warning signal.”

Disarmament: “Austria has been consistently engaged in efforts to reduce the risk of a nuclear disaster and to work for a world without nuclear weapons.”

Nuclear weapons: “In this regard, we welcomed the Vienna Agreement that placed Iran’s nuclear activities under international observation. Undermining this agreement would weaken efforts to achieve negotiated solutions to nuclear disputes.”

Disarmament: “The New Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is an important achievement in this regard. It is a crucial step to get rid of all nuclear weapons.”

Disarmament: “Today, we often hear that nuclear weapons are necessary for security. This narrative is not only wrong, it is dangerous. The new Treaty provides a real alternative: a world without nuclear weapons, where everyone is safer.”

Geographic References: “With success of Daesh in Iraq and Syria radicalization and extremism sharply increased within our societies.”

Geographic References: “Conflicts that result in terrible human suffering, such as in Syria, South Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen or Libya.”

Geographic References: “What we need to do is destroy these radical groups militarily where they operate, such as Iraq or Syria.”

Sustainable Peace: “I also welcome the discussions in the Security Council to increase the security of the OSCE monitors, possibly with a UN Peacekeeping Operation.”