(New York, 8 May 2009)

Mr. Chairman,

Nuclear issues in the Middle East is an important item on the agenda of the NPT review process which should be addressed appropriately.

The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East is not only conducive to safeguarding and strengthening international non-proliferation regime and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the region, but also helpful for improving regional security environment and building up a political atmosphere of trust and reconciliation to promote the Middle East peace process.

To this end, the international community should observe and faithfully implement the resolutions adopted by various sessions of the UN General Assembly and the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, and relevant provisions in the Final Document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference in order to advance the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East and ultimately the establishment of WMD-free zone.

China believes that Israel should join the NPT as soon as possible and place all its nuclear facilities under IAEA’s full-scope safeguards. This is of great significance to the promotion of universality of the NPT in the Middle East and the strengthening of international non-proliferation regime.

Mr. Chairman,

China notes the working papers on the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East submitted by Syria on behalf of the Arab League and Egypt at the second session of the Preparatory Committee. We believe these documents will help all parties to pool their wisdom and explore how to implement the resolution adopted by the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference. We hope that all parties could join efforts to find a proper solution through consultation, which will accommodate each other's concerns.

Mr. Chairman,

China always supports the efforts by the countries in the Middle East to establish nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region on the basis of consultations among themselves and voluntary agreement. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has always worked with all parties concerned through bilateral and multilateral means, trying to facilitate solution to disputes through negotiations and to promote the establishment of Middle East nuclear-weapon free zone. Together with the international community, China will continue to make its efforts to establish Middle East nuclear-weapon-free zone and achieve peace and security in the region.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.