Egypt expresses concern over spread of nuclear weapons

CAIRO - 22 September 2017: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Thursday said that Egypt is concerned over the increasing threat facing human lives because of the nuclear weapons.

The total elimination of nuclear weapons through verifiable and irrevocable means is the only guarantee for its non-proliferation, the minister told a UN Security Council meeting on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The ministry added this is the best way for making sure these weapons would not be used by states or non-state attackers.

This will not happen unless the major world powers completely fulfill their duties under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), he added.

He described the treaty as the milestone of the world security and the backbone for a nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament system.

Egypt has been ahead by steps on multi-party efforts exerted on the non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament, Shoukry said, adding these weapons are the main enemy for human being and the security of the world.

In the same context, Shoukry said the UN Security Council should undergo a reform plan to effectively carry out its mission in this regard.

He noted it is a necessary for the council to think about inclusive and comprehensive approach to make the member states feel they can carry out measures adopted by the council.