The State of Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to continue efforts toward the elimination of nuclear weapons and the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, aiming to achieve security and stability in the region and the world, and its support for the fifth session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, scheduled for November. This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by Maryam Sami Al Subaie, a member of Qatar's delegation participating in the 79th session of the UN General Assembly First Committee, during discussions on the "Nuclear Weapons" agenda item at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Al Subaie emphasized that the State of Qatar places great importance on implementing agreements and treaties related to nuclear non-proliferation, the prohibition of nuclear weapons, and banning their use, the threat of their use, or nuclear testing, noting that this aligns with Qatar's support for international effort s toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons. She added that the State of Qatar is updating its laws and procedures related to disarmament and non-proliferation at the national level to align with the agreements and treaties to which it is a party. She also noted that the third session of the Arab Forum on Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation will be held in Doha in June 2024. Al Subaie underlined that the State of Qatar emphasized the importance of fulfilling the legal obligations arising from international agreements on nuclear disarmament and ensuring that the development of peaceful nuclear energy programs is conducted responsibly, noting that such development must consider the risks of nuclear material leakage to neighboring countries and regions. She stressed the need for strong guarantees to prevent the transfer of these materials to other states and regions, along with adherence to comprehensive safeguards under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensu re the highest standards of safety and security in a world where nuclear proliferation remains a major concern for all. The proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East increases risks amid the region's ongoing tensions and conflicts, she said, pointing out that the Middle East remains the only region in the world that has not made progress toward becoming free of nuclear weapons. She stressed that comprehensive global nuclear disarmament cannot be achieved without first establishing a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East. She also referred to the international community's ongoing efforts to eliminate the threat posed by nuclear weapons to global peace and security, noting that the UN General Assembly had held three Special Sessions devoted to Disarmament (SSOD) in 1978, 1982, and 1988. Additionally, she said that the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) represents a global effort to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and enhance the goal of disar mament. Maryam Sami Al Subaie further explained that given the absence of a specific timeline for nuclear disarmament by the five nuclear-weapon states and in accordance with Article VI of the NPT, which calls on its parties to undertake effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race and to nuclear disarmament, the persistence in maintaining nuclear weapons has led to an increase in the number of nuclear-weapon states that are not parties to the treaty. She stressed that the only way to achieve the goal of nuclear disarmament is through strict and full adherence to all commitments outlined in relevant international instruments on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Establishing a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East is more urgent now than ever, reflecting the international consensus that the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones and voluntary renunciation of nuclear weapons programs contribute to advancing the disarmament goal, she underscored. The Qatari National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), hosted an informal regional meeting in June 2024 to discuss the establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, Al Subaie said. This meeting aimed to contribute to the goals of the upcoming UN conference on establishing a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction by reaching an agreement that ensures the establishment of such a zone and to expand and deepen discussions related to the conference's goals Source: Qatar News Agency