2022 A/CPPNM Review Conference | U.S. Closing Remarks
As prepared for delivery by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Anthony Wier, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
April 1, 2022
Co-Presidents,
The United States aligns itself with the joint statement delivered by the European Union.
In addition, the United States extends its appreciation to the Co-Presidents for their hard work that has allowed us to successfully conclude this first Conference of the Parties to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
The United States also would like to thank distinguished delegates for the substantive discussions, exchanges of best practices and lessons learned — in the Plenary room, the side events, and beyond. This dialogue will serve as a renewed foundation for follow-on cooperation in the months and years ahead.
We are pleased that the Conference determined that the Amended Convention is adequate in light of the prevailing situation.
The rich dialogue of this week must not end today. The United States appreciates that the majority of Parties have submitted requests for a subsequent Review Conference in accordance with Article 16.2 of the Amended Convention. Another Conference will guarantee Parties again come together to review implementation of the Amended Convention and judge whether it remains adequate to meet an environment we know will have dramatically evolved.
Much of the progress we have discussed here this week would not have been possible without non-governmental organizations, industry stakeholders, and international organizations, and we are very grateful for their contributions. We will continue to support and welcome their robust contributions to the work that lies ahead.
This Conference also managed to find consensus in expressing concern about existing and emerging nuclear security threats, and the importance of international cooperation in responding to these threats. Can anyone in this hall honestly deny that these threats include those stemming from the horrors unleashed by one country’s aggression just 500 kilometers away?
The world outside this hall will struggle to understand why this document was silent on the brazen and irresponsible Russian actions imperiling Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, its people, and the international community.
The reason is simple: Russia.
The solution to the unprecedented dangers facing Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and other facilities with radioactive material is just as simple.
Russia must immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against any UN member state. Russia must immediately withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
In the meantime, the United States will support the IAEA’s efforts to ensure safety and security at Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, in a way that fully respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Thank you for your attention.