In the next few months we will see a sig nificant series of events on nuclear issues, including an expected new agreement between the US and Russia to reduce their nuclear arsenal, President Obama’s Nuclear Security Summit in April and the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in May.
The opportunities are immense: a safer,
more stable and more prosperous world without nuclear weapons, in which nuclear energy helps to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development. The opportunities are immense: a safer,
But the threats are grave. The nuclear weapons ambitions of North Korea and Iran risk destabilising their regions and sparking new nuclear arms races. Both have the right to develop peaceful nuclear energy programmes. But unless they resolve international concerns about their nuclear programmes, they face deeper isolation and tougher sanctions.
In addition, the spread of civil nuclear energy risks increasing the dangers of sensitive technology and materials falling into the wrong hands – including terrorists.
The UK wants to work closely with Indonesia to ensure that the world addresses these threats and seizes these opportunities, particularly by strengthening the implementation of the NPT.
Since 1970, the Treaty has served the world well in helping prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, advance nuclear disarmament and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The May Review Conference offers a key opportunity for the international community to agree on action to strengthen implementation.
Success will require the long term resolve and commitment of all the Treaty’s parties, including the setting aside of old divisions. We must seize this opportunity and move from a decade of deadlock to a decade of progress.
Indonesia and the UK must work together to help ensure this happens. Our security and that of future generations is at stake.
In my capacity as the UK government minister responsible for Asia, the Middle East and international security, I will be visiting Jakarta shortly to discuss these important issues with Indonesian counterparts. This is your opportunity to share your views on nuclear disarmament, proliferation and energy, and put your questions directly to me. Have your say!
Ivan Lewis MP is the UK minister responsible for Asia, the Middle East and international security. This article was sent by the British Embassy in Jakarta prior to Mr. Lewis' visit to Indonesia.
