News

On 20 April, with a view to the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2005 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) commencing on 26 April 2004 in New York, Lithuania issued its second report on the implementation of Article VI of the NPT, in accordance with its international non-proliferation commitments further contributing towards transparency of nuclear non-proliferation policy. The report stresses that the NPT is the cornerstone of global nuclear non-proliferation regime and an essential precondition for achieving nuclear disarmament. It is noted that in 2003 Lithuania applied for membership with the Nuclear Suppliers Group, upgraded its national regulatory system ensuring safe management of radioactive sources, implemented the IAEA recommendations, supported relevant disarmament resolutions at the UN General Assembly and elaborated a comprehensive study model for sustainable energy development. Lithuanian diplomats actively advocated for adherence to the Additional Protocol of the IAEA within the Eastern European region, which would enable IAEA inspectors to check nuclear activities of the Region. The report also notes that transparency, irreversibility, and confidence building are fundamental principles forming an indispensable framework for furthering the cause of nuclear disarmament.