Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

24 July, 2024

Delivered by H.E. Mr. Andranik HOVHANNISYAN, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Distinguished Mr. Chairman,

At the outset I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Chairman, for assuming your responsibilities and to assure you of Armenia’s firm support.

Armenia reiterates its unwavering commitment to the principles of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and reaffirms the shared objectives of strengthening global nuclear safety, non-proliferation and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We endorse the universalization of the NPT and its full implementation.

In the past decade, our global landscape has been marked by geopolitical turbulences, rapid transformations and the emergence of unforeseen challenges, including from advancement of technologies. In response, it is imperative that our national nuclear security frameworks remain adaptable and resilient to new and emerging threats, including through the enhanced dialogue and cooperation.

Mr. Chair,

Being a country with an operating nuclear power plant, Armenia pursues a transparent and open policy for safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

To this end we have actively collaborated with the International Atomic Energy Agency and have fully implemented all our obligations. We regularly host review and peer review missions, reports of which clearly indicate that Armenia is operating the power plant in line with IAEA’s safety standards. The absence of any nuclear or radiation safety incidents throughout the history of our plant’s operation speaks volumes about our unwavering dedication to this cause. We also acknowledge with gratitude the indispensable technical assistance, knowledge and guidance from the IAEA and partner countries, which have been critical in guaranteeing and strengthening the safe, secure, and reliable operation of our Nuclear Power Plant.

The large-scale modernization and re-equipment of the NPP has generated additional public confidence towards and advocacy in favor of the use of nuclear energy. Guided by national priorities and the key importance of nuclear energy in achieving global Net Zero objectives, as well as based on the successful upgrade of high standards of safety and security in the operation of the NPP, Armenia decided to extend the lifetime of current unit with an ultimate goal of smooth transition to a new capacity. We are committed to implementing timely and adequate measures related to ageing management and appropriate safety improvements in cooperation with partner states and under the guidance of the IAEA.

Armenia shares the conviction that nuclear energy is indispensable in addressing the climate change. This is why we were among countries who fully supported the IAEA Statement on Nuclear Power at the UN Climate Change Conference. We also proudly align ourselves with the decision made at the COP28, which recognized nuclear energy as one of the solutions to climate change alongside other low-carbon energy sources.

Armenia fully implements its international obligations under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 through its National Action Plan. Major efforts have been undertaken to modernize and upgrade border control to prevent the trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials and to enhance the nuclear security also at national and regional levels.

Mr. Chair,

Armenia reiterates its principled position that nuclear facilities dedicated to peaceful purposes should under no circumstances become the target of an armed attack or a threat of attack. The inviolability, safety, and security of peaceful nuclear facilities should be unconditionally observed, including at the times of armed conflicts. The position of Armenia in this regard is also driven by past experience in light of overt threats expressed against our Nuclear Power Plant.

Establishment of the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones can serve as a viable regional approach to strengthening global nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and fostering the peace. Armenia reaffirms its full support to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear and all other weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems in the Middle East, agreed at the 1995 NPT Review Conference. It is our conviction that such zones should be created based on agreements between all the States of the region concerned.

Finally, we believe that the work of the Preparatory Committee will provide an ample opportunity for the international community to reiterate its commitment to the values and principles of the NPT and to explore the possibilities of its further consolidation.

I thank you.

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