Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 7 / Trend , G.Dadashova /
Tajik Ambassador to the UN Sirodjidin Aslov underscored the importance of the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones where they did not exist, especially in the Middle East, at the meeting of the First Committee of the 66th UN General Assembly on Oct.6.
He expressed support for the Conference in 2012 on its establishment.
He said his country attached great importance to strengthening of the disarmament, non-proliferation regimes, revitalizing the process of negotiations for the conclusion of the CTBT and the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones.
Such zones were essential for promoting nuclear disarmament, preventing proliferation, and contributed to peace and security at the regional and global levels, Aslov said.
The Treaty on the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia, fully consistent with the efforts of countries in the region to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, contributed to regional security, cooperation between States and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
He noted the need, however, for further work on the rapprochement of positions of countries of the region and nuclear-weapon States, on receiving negative security assurances.
Tajikistan, he said, also recognized the central role of the IAEA in strengthening nuclear safety and security, including enhanced cooperation among international organizations. And, it called attention to the issue of nuclear safety and security.
He encouraged States and international organizations with expertise in that sphere to provide assistance in management and rehabilitation of contaminated sites and territories, and to prevent environmental impacts caused by uranium mining and related activities.