Wednesday 18:11
Following the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution on non-proliferation today, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said:
"Today, the Security Council adopted its first ever Resolution addressing the general problem of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The resolution was passed unanimously. The United Kingdom played a leading role in securing consensus for this resolution and co-sponsored the text adopted today. Throughout the discussion of the resolution, the co-sponsors sought to work closely with Council members and the wider UN membership. That dialogue led to an improved text and, I hope, will make its implementation a truly common endeavour.
"The importance of this resolution should not be under-estimated. It represents effective multilateralism in action - a concrete demonstration of the international community's determination to tackle the threat posed by the proliferation of WMD. That threat can come from states of concern, as well as non-state actors - from terrorists seeking to acquire WMD, to unscrupulous private companies and individuals who are willing to sell sensitive technology to the highest bidder.
"This resolution shows that the international community is determined to respond. It makes clear that all states have a responsibility to take steps to prevent WMD proliferation.
"The resolution calls on states to adopt robust national legislation to criminalise the possession, manufacture or trafficking of WMD, in particular for terrorist purposes; to take cooperative action to prevent illicit trafficking in WMD and related materials; to develop appropriate, effective export controls on WMD related materials where these do not exist; and to maintain effective physical protection of such materials.
"Significantly, the resolution is more than fine words and noble sentiments. It imposes clear obligations, under Chapter VII of the Charter, on all member states, and establishes a committee to oversee and support states' implementation of the resolution. I hope that the committee will quickly agree terms of reference that underline the need for an inclusive approach, and begin its work."
Note to Editors:
In his statement to the House on 25 February, the Foreign Secretary set out the Government's counter-proliferation priorities. He underlined the importance of the UN Security Council Resolution and called for the Council to establish an appropriate follow-up mechanism.
Press Office, Downing Street (West), London SW1A 2AH
