New York: Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Al-Banai, emphasized the necessity of serious regional and international cooperation to establish a nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction-free zone in the Middle East. Ambassador Al-Banai delivered these remarks during his address at the UN's fifth Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, held in New York from November 18 to 22. According to Kuwait News Agency, Ambassador Al-Banai highlighted Kuwait's commitment to creating a nuclear-free zone in the region, citing the country's leadership in the second conference that led to the approval of several measures and the formation of a committee to enhance communication between the conference sessions. Kuwait proposed establishing a small group of countries that chaired previous sessions, tasked with implementing significant measures. Al-Banai urged the UN to approve and launch this group, recognizing its cr itical role in achieving the conference's objectives. Ambassador Al-Banai also expressed concern over the existence of secret nuclear plants not under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which he warned poses a direct threat to regional and global security. He stressed Kuwait's deep concern over the lack of adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, advocating for the destruction of nuclear weapons as the best way to ensure regional safety. Moreover, the Kuwaiti diplomat critiqued the Israeli occupation force for not participating in past conference sessions and noted that Israel is the only party that has not joined the NPT. While expressing hope for wider participation in the conference, Al-Banai stated that Kuwait cannot accept engagement with a government that disregards basic humanitarian principles and commits war crimes and crimes against humanity. In his concluding remarks, Al-Banai called on the international community and the UN Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities in ending the genocide in Palestine, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and ensuring accountability for those responsible for committing war crimes.
