Reply to letter from the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation by Anna Lindh, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden
I agree with you that certain aspects regarding the Nuclear Posture Review give rise to grave concern, should they indeed be implemented as official policy. A change in the U.S. nuclear policy in accordance with the NPR could have negative consequences for disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
Some of the reported elements in the NPR in our view would contradict commitments and obligations of the United States under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The NPT is the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime and the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. Maintaining a robust non-proliferation regime is a global common interest. We should all work together towards that end, and avoid actions that might undermine the NPT.
I am also concerned that the development of new types of nuclear weapons might risk lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear arms.
I deeply regret the decision by the United States not to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). All states would gain from universal adherence to the CTBT. It is in the interest of all states that this important treaty enters into force as soon as possible. Furthermore, I am deeply concerned about the U.S. intention to enhance the readiness for conducting nuclear tests.
Concerning the new treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation on substantial cuts in their strategic nuclear arsenals, I have welcomed the signing of a legally binding treaty between the two parties. I believe that it constitutes a step in the right direction, but it is important that the warheads are actually destroyed, not just put in storage. The process of disarmament must be made irreversible.
The Swedish Government believes that the most efficient way to counter proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery vehicles is to strengthen the international framework for disarmament and non-proliferation. The commitments made at the 2000 NPT Review Conference are of special importance in this context. The nuclear weapon states made an unequivocal undertaking to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals leading to nuclear disarmament, and a 12 - step action plan towards accomplishing that goal was agreed. In achieving this important NPT 2000 agreement, the New Agenda Coalition - where Sweden is one of the seven members - played a crucial role.
A new NPT review cycle has now begun. I note with satisfaction that the first session of the preparatory committee for the 2005 Review Conference - under Swedish chairmanship - could be carried out in a successful manner. Sweden and the other New Agenda States are determined to pursue the implementation of the agreements reached at the 2000 NPT Review Conference.
Back to Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation letter
Replies from
George A. Papandreou, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Greece
Anna Lindh, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden
Bill Graham, Foreign Minister of Canada
Hubert Védrine, Minister of Foreign Affairs, France
from the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ireland
from the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Portugal
Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Finland