Foreign Minister Pabriks: "The uncontrolled spread of weapons of mass destruction - one of today's major global challenges"

On 13 March 2007, in his address to the participants at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks stressed that an uncontrolled proliferation of nuclear technology, biological and chemical weapons is one of the major modern challenges for the international community regardless of the significant progress reached at the global level with respect to the arms control. Terrorists' efforts to take control over the weapons increases the possibility of their usage.

Technologies can be used for different purposes and frequently there is only a thin line that divides their usage either for peaceful or military purposes.

Minister Pabriks noted that Latvia's economy and development is becoming more dependent on the peaceful use of technology. He emphasized the need to prevent the spread of weapons beyond the borders of the international control regimes, which is an important factor in the strengthening of international security. The Foreign Minister also indicated that it is important not only to reach agreement on new international initiatives in this area but also to abide by the existing obligations.

Minister Artis Pabriks pointed out that Latvia has actively followed the policy of non-proliferation of arms. As one of the essential activities, Mr Pabriks noted the building of a more strict system for export controls. "Latvia can pride itself on a strict and effective control system for strategic goods, and a significant experience and expertise in this area. We are working with our regional partners to share our experience, transfer knowledge and strengthen efforts in the non-proliferation of arms in our region", emphasized Mr Pabriks.

The Iranian Foreign Minister Manoucher Mottaki addressed the conference immediately after the Latvian Foreign Minister.

On 13-14 March, Minister Pabriks is on a working visit to Geneva, where he is to make a speech at the High Level Segment meeting of the 4th Session of the UN Human Rights Council and at the Conference on Disarmament. As part of the visit, Mr Pabriks has also met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, and Turkey's Minister of State, Mahmet Aydin.

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