Nikos Dendias states that the attacks in Ukraine should stop immediately

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Attacks on Ukraine must stop immediately, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said in a video message during the High Level Section of the Conference on Disarmament, stressing that “military attacks on Ukraine violate Law, starting from the UN Charter “.

He even made special reference to the brutal attacks on civilians in the villages of Sartana and Bougas, in the wider area of ​​Mariupol, which, as he stressed, have so far caused the death of ten civilians, members of the Greek community, and the injury of many others, including children. .

“It is vital that the safe and secure operation of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities is not affected or disturbed in any way,” he said.

It is equally important to abide by disarmament conventions and conditions, and cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns must also stop.

“We are ready to make every effort in regional and international fora to contribute to all de-escalation efforts,” he said, stressing that the events in Ukraine concern the entire international community.

“Each of us must work towards de-escalation. But also to ensure that these events will not be repeated in the future. “

“Greece considers that an armaments control system that results from conditions and is legally binding can provide security assurances to all member states,” he said.

“A system consistent with the principles of international law,” he added, noting that the role of the Disarmament Conference is becoming more critical than ever.

Mr. Dendias characterized the approval of the Work Program for 2022, a significant progress that was achieved just a few days ago, after many years of deadlock.

“This will allow us to meet both traditional and new challenges. “Challenges such as the cessation of the arms race, including space, nuclear disarmament, new types of weapons of mass destruction, radiological weapons and other types of deadly devices,” he said.

Mr. Dendias also referred to the statement made by the permanent members of the Security Council on January 3, that “a nuclear war can not be won and must never be waged.”

“We consider this statement to be a starting point for tackling the extremely complex disarmament agenda, especially in light of current announcements and developments in Ukraine. It could also serve as an important prelude to the long-awaited 10th Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. “

“From a national point of view and since there are no quick fixes for disarmament, we believe that only through a gradual approach can we reach a complete and verifiable nuclear disarmament,” he said, adding that a first step would be the completion of the Fissile Cutting Treaty and the universalization of the Treaty on the Complete Prohibition of Nuclear Testing.

As the Ebola and COVID-19 crises have shown, biological threats increase the need for international cooperation, Dendias said, adding:

“The rule against the use of infectious diseases as a weapon is universally accepted. However, there is still a risk of malicious use, mainly by non-state actors. “

He also noted that the next conference, later this year, offers a unique opportunity to further strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention. This is in line with recent scientific developments.

Regarding the issue of enlargement, Mr. Dendias pointed out that Greece is the longest-serving observer of the Conference on Disarmament since 1984 and is of the opinion that there is no reason to exclude UN member states from the discussions on disarmament.

“We must not limit our participation in the disarmament negotiations to only sixty-five countries. “Especially at a time when global security mechanisms require global cooperation.”

“It is equally outdated that enlargement remains hostage to bilateral issues that have absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter of the Disarmament Conference.”

“Arms Control and Disarmament emerged during the Cold War, in order to find a common understanding of security-related issues. “Today, given the multiple challenges we face, we must effectively restructure the process for the sake of world peace and security.”

“Greece is ready, as a responsible member of the international community, to contribute to this process,” he concluded.

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