EU High Representative Ashton to deliver keynote speeches at United Nations in New York, 3-4 May

The High Representative will deliver at the opening session of the NPT Review Conference the statement on behalf of the EU, which will set out the common approach, agreed in March by the EU Council of Ministers. The EU is a strong supporter of the multilateral system and the NPT is an important element of this system. Her participation at the opening of the NPT Review Conference is a testimony of the EU commitment to preserve and reinforce the multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament regime.

The NPT Review Conference takes place against the background of very positive developments in the nuclear field, in particular the signing by US and Russia of a new treaty for the reduction of strategic nuclear weapons, as well as the consensual outcome of the Nuclear Security Summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington.

Catherine Ashton said ahead of her visit to New York: "A successful outcome of the NPT Review Conference is a key objective for the EU. We support all efforts to preserve and strengthen the international nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime.

We must build on the new positive momentum for international cooperation on nuclear energy matters created by the Nuclear Security Summit if we are to ensure a responsible development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes."

In her speech to the Security Council, the High Representative will reinforce the EU's commitment to be an active partner with the UN on international foreign and security policy matters.

Catherine Ashton said: "The EU and UN have shared objectives: promoting peace, protecting the vulnerable and helping people to live in safety and dignity.

"This partnership has grown rapidly in recent years and has demonstrated its added value on the ground. There is a good deal we have achieved together. But there is even more work to be done.

We remain committed to strengthening the multilateral framework and assisting the UN in carrying out its responsibilities in the areas of peace and security."

Link:
The 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), May 2010 at UN Headquarters in New York
http://www.un.org/en/conf/npt/2010

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - Maja[dot]Kocijancic[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu (Maja[dot]Kocijancic[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu )
Darren Ennis +32 498 963 293 - +32 2 296 32 93 - Darren[dot]Ennis[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu (Darren[dot]Ennis[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu )
Christopher Matthews +1 212 401 0134 - Christopher[dot]matthews[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu(Christopher.Matthews@ec.europa.eu)

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• EU Statement by HR Ashton - United Nations Security Council: Growing co-operation between the UN and the EU in the area of peace and security (4/5/2010)
• Speech by EU High Representative/Commission Vice-President Ashton at UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference (3/5/2010)
• Summary of remarks by EU Council President Van Rompuy at the Nuclear Security Summit (13/4/2010)
• EU Statement at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington (12/4/2010)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton on Iranian nuclear activities (9/2/2010)