The permanent member nations of the United States Security Council has called for the further prevention of nuclear weapons stressing that a nuclear war will have far-reaching consequences, cannot be won, and must never be fought.
"China, France, Russia, the UK, the UK, and the US consider the avoidance of war between the Nuclear-Weapon States and the reduction of strategic risks as our foremost responsibilities," the permanent five-member nations said in a joint statement.
"We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. As nuclear use would have far-reaching consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons--for as long as they continue to exist--should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war. We believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented," the statement added.
"We reaffirm the importance of addressing nuclear threats and emphasize the importance of preserving and complying with our bilateral and multilateral nonproliferation, disarmament, and arms control agreements and commitments," it read.
"We remain committed to our Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obligations, including our Article VI obligation "to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control," it added.
Further, the nations emphasised that each intend to maintain and further strengthen our national measures to prevent unauthorized or unintended use of nuclear weapons. "We reiterate the validity of our previous statements on de-targeting, reaffirming that none of our nuclear weapons are targeted at each other or at any other State.," said the nations.
The permanent nations underlined the desire to work with all states to create a security environment more conducive to progress on disarmament with the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all.
Nations intended to continue seeking bilateral and multilateral diplomatic approaches to avoid military confrontations, strengthen stability and predictability, increase mutual understanding and confidence, and prevent an arms race that would benefit none and endanger all. "We are resolved to pursue a constructive dialogue with mutual respect and acknowledgement of each other's security interests and concerns," said the statement.
( With inputs from ANI )
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