Statement by Saudi Arabia at the 4th session of the conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other WM

Statement by Saudi Arabia at the 4th session of the conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other WM

The statement calls for a legally binding instrument to establish a free zone banning all WMD and means of delivery from the Middle East and reaffirms its support for the conference. The statement notes the existence of Israel’s nuclear facilities outside of the IAEA safeguards and the recent statements from Israeli ministers threatening to use nuclear weapons in Gaza, which poses a serious threat, and constitutes a crime against humanity and a violation of international law. Saudi Arabia emphasizes the role of the IAEA in implementing the NPT and affirms the rejection of any form of restrictions of commitments outside the IAEA or relevant international agreements. It underscores the full right of all countries to access nuclear technologies without any hindrance. The statement welcomes the exchange of views on legal and procedural aspects of the treaty, avoiding complex technical issues. It notes in Israel’s absence, discussions do not represent positions.