UN Chief Frustrated After Nuclear Talks End in Deadlock

(MENAFN) UN Secretary-General António Guterres publicly expressed frustration Friday after a pivotal international conference on nuclear non-proliferation broke down without a consensus agreement, leaving a critical window for global disarmament progress firmly shut.

"The Secretary-General expresses his disappointment at the inability of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to reach consensus on a substantive outcome and to seize this critical opportunity to make our world safer," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The NPT serves as the bedrock international mechanism for preventing the spread of nuclear arms, accelerating disarmament, and enabling the peaceful civilian use of nuclear technology.

Dujarric noted that Guterres "welcomes the sincere and meaningful engagement by States parties," but expressed regret that the Review Conference "fell short, especially at a time of such pressing challenges that threaten international security."

"The current international environment, marked by deep tensions and an elevated risk posed by nuclear weapons, demands urgent action," the statement said.

Guterres called on all nations "to make full use of all available avenues of dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation to reduce tensions, lower nuclear risks, and ultimately eliminate the nuclear threat," insisting that "a world free of nuclear weapons remains the United Nations' highest disarmament priority."

The statement further characterized the NPT as "the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime" and recognized Do Hung Viet, president of the 11th Review Conference, for his "tireless efforts and dedicated leadership" throughout the summit.

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