New York, USA                                                                                                                     25 September 2009

Mr. President,
Distinguished delegates,

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a critical element in making tangible progress towards nuclear non-proliferation since it constrains further development of nuclear weapons. Therefore the entry into force of the treaty is an imperative if the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime is to be effective and viable.

Even though not yet in force, the CTBT has proven itself as a successful treaty. One of the Treaty’s biggest assets is its effective verification mechanism which has proven yet once again in May of this year when the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO was able to provide accurate and timely findings and analyses following the DPRK’s nuclear test on 25th of that month. However, so long as the Treaty is not in force, the global regime banning nuclear testing will remain fragile.

The chances for the treaty’s entry into force today are higher than ever before. Mongolia commends all the states that have signed or ratified it since the previous Article XIV conference.

Among the important factors contributing to today’s favourable climate for its entry into force is the pledge by United States President Barack Obama in his milestone speech in Prague in April to “immediately and aggressively pursue U.S. ratification”. When translated into action, this commitment has the potential to setting in motion ratifications by the other remaining Annex II States. However, today this is still an objective that needs to be achieved. I express the hope that this conference will prove useful in promoting the Treaty’s greater acceptance and wider ratification.

Mr. President,

Apart from the main mission to monitor the globe for nuclear explosions, verification data and technologies generated by the monitoring stations under the International Monitoring System (IMS) have proven useful for broader civil and scientific applications. We understand that this is particularly relevant for mitigating tsunami consequences. At the same time, it might also prove useful for earthquake early warning since seismic technology may help to acquire and disseminate data regarding potential earthquakes and thereby save human lives. In this regard, Mongolia believes that the Provisional Technical Secretariat of the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO should undertake a comprehensive study on how CTBT seismic and other relevant monitoring stations can be used for such peaceful and noble purposes. Being a host to 4 IMS stations, Mongolia stands ready to work with others in exploring this untapped potential.

As party to the CTBT, Mongolia is keen to contribute to the efforts to bring about its speedy entry into force. To that end and with the cooperation of the Provisional Technical Secretariat it is planning to host a regional workshop early next year on this issue.

Thank you for your attention.

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