Azerbaijani Representative Makes Fabricated and Baseless Accusations Against Armenia and Artsakh: Mnatsakanyan

Zohrap Mnatsakanyan delivered a speech at the international conference on nuclear security titled "Maintaining and Strengthening Efforts." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' press service presents the full speech.

Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express my gratitude to Director General Rafael Grossi for organizing the third conference on nuclear security in Vienna. I would also like to extend my warm congratulations to you on your appointment as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and wish you every success in this important and demanding mission.

I would like to pay tribute to former Director General Yukiya Amano, whose commitment and expertise over more than a decade propelled the Agency to numerous notable achievements under the slogan "Atoms for Peace and Development," proposed by Director Amano.

In May 2019, Mr. Amano paid a working visit to Armenia. The high-level meetings held with the leadership of my country were a testament to the fruitful cooperation between Armenia and the IAEA, outlining new directions for our future joint efforts.

Mr. President, I want to emphasize the exceptional inclusiveness of this conference, which provides us, the member states, the opportunity to share perspectives, challenges, and accomplishments while collaboratively outlining actions that will promote the strengthening of global nuclear security through dialogue and cooperation. I am confident that the ministerial declaration adopted today will become an important milestone in the efforts of the international community to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime and will showcase our collective commitment to uphold high standards in nuclear security.

Since the second international conference on nuclear security in 2016, unfortunately, the world has not become a safer place to live. Today, in this ever-changing world, the global security environment is faced with rapidly evolving threats, such as those related to technological developments and cyberattacks. We do not know or cannot predict what new threats may emerge tomorrow in the near future. This means that national regimes for nuclear security, regulatory systems must be flexible, adaptable, and resilient.

The exchange of information and experiences is a key prerequisite for timely detection and addressing threats. The continuous support provided by the IAEA to improve the national security regimes of member states is irreplaceable.

Mr. President, as a strong supporter of non-proliferation policy, Armenia reiterates its full commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and other relevant treaties, as well as to the IAEA safeguard agreements and additional protocols. Considering that the responsibility for nuclear security lies entirely within the jurisdiction of each member state, we have consistently expressed our strong support for the significant and leading role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the framework of international nuclear security and non-proliferation.

The peaceful use of nuclear energy is vital for my government in terms of economic development and energy security. Armenia places great importance on strengthening nuclear security at both national and international levels through the ratification and implementation of international legal instruments, as well as by developing robust national legislation aimed at the physical protection and security of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and nuclear materials, and establishing regulations for the physical protection of nuclear facilities and materials.

Armenia regularly cooperates closely with international partners on all issues related to nuclear energy. We are undertaking necessary measures to strengthen and maintain nuclear and radiological safety. We greatly appreciate the role and continued support of the IAEA in ensuring the highest standards of safety at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant.

In particular, numerous IAEA inspections and assessment missions have reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to meeting its international obligations and the highest level of openness and transparency. No violations or deviations from the requirements of international treaties have been recorded.

Armenia fully complies with its international obligations undertaken under UN Security Council Resolution 1540. The National Action Plan of Armenia for 2015-2020 outlines a clear range of steps ranging from reviewing already implemented national measures to coordinating ongoing and upcoming actions.

We also actively participate in non-proliferation initiatives such as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and the Nuclear Security Initiative. The Armenian government continues to cooperate with its international partners at bilateral and multilateral levels to further enhance its national capabilities to combat nuclear smuggling.

We are deeply concerned about the developments in our region, particularly regarding the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear program and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The signing of this agreement, a real achievement of multilateral diplomacy, provided the world with an important tool for reducing the risks of nuclear proliferation. We call on all partners to respect their obligations under the agreement, refrain from actions that could escalate tensions, and make every effort to preserve the agreement.

Armenia welcomes all diplomatic and multilateral efforts being made to resume inclusive and open dialogue on the issue. We express our satisfaction to the team and leadership of the International Atomic Energy Agency for their dedicated, professional, and impartial work in affirming and monitoring Iran's nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and look forward to the continued cooperation between the IAEA and Iran regarding the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and UNSC Resolution 2231 of 2015.

Lastly, Mr. President, the speaker representing Azerbaijan made fabricated and baseless accusations against Armenia and Artsakh. These are completely refuted. The territory of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is entirely under the full and legitimate control of the Artsakh authorities, and nothing suggests otherwise. The Artsakh authorities have always been open to international cooperation, and Azerbaijani accusations can be easily verified and proven null and void.

In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Armenia's steadfast commitment to nuclear disarmament, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy for our common goals, and wish success to the conference. Thank you.