RP saves nuke meet from collapse, reaps praises

The Philippines saved the landmark nuclear review conference from collapse by putting forward a last-minute compromise formula after countries failed to reach an agreement on a number of issues in four weeks of intense, and sometimes heated negotiations in the United Nations.

Philippine Ambassador to the UN Libran Cabactulan’s 28-page text provides an article-by-article review of the Non-Proliferation Treaty’s (NPT) operations, taking into account the decisions and resolution adopted by the 1995 Review and Extension Conference, as well as the final document of the 2000 Review Conference
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The document contains a 22-point action plan on nuclear disarmament that outlined concrete steps in the areas of disarmament of nuclear weapons, security assurances, nuclear testing, fissile materials, and other measures in support of nuclear disarmament.

The section also covers actions to be taken in the areas of nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and includes recommendations and follow-up actions, particularly on the implementation of the 1995 resolution on the creation of a nuclear weapon-free zone in the Middle East.

UN Secretary General Ban congratulated Cabactulan for the success of the conference after state-parties reached consensus and supported his action plan that is expected to advance the NPT goals of nuclear disarmament non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy over the next five years.

“I congratulate Ambassador Cabactulan and commend the States Parties for finding common ground to further strengthen the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and the essential foundation towards nuclear disarmament. A strong spirit of compromise and cooperation has delivered a significant agreement to build a safer and more secure world,” Ban said.

Other members of the international community also lauded the Philippines for putting the global nuclear disarmament agenda back on track by successfully steering the 2010 Review Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on NPT.

The Non-Aligned Movement, the Arab League, the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as the world’s major nuclear powers were among those that commended the Philippine Presidency under Cabactulan for sealing the first agreement made under the NPT regime in 10 years.

“You are key to the success of this conference,” EU President Spain said.

Nuclear powers China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States also commended the Philippines for its leadership and skillful facilitation of the conference, saying it was a major achievement after a decade of stalemate.

“For the first time in 15 years, we were able to take steps to realize the 1995 resolution creating a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East…We would like to cite your wise leadership and ability to understand, your knowledge and humor are worth of admiration. You will go down the history of the NPT for this success,” Russia said.

Argentina cited Cabactulan’s “contagious” optimism, enthusiasm and leadership and described his compromise proposal as a complex but well articulated document with practical steps.

South Africa credited the Philippines for doing its utmost to search for a balance to the many divergent views presented on how to move the disarmament process forward while Chile commended Cabactulan for his tireless work and enthusiasm, that had affected his health.

Austria praised the country for coming in well prepared for a very difficult challenge, while Iran expressed its appreciation and gratitude for Cabactulan’s efforts, perseverance and able leadership.

The NPT, which took effect in 1970 and was extended indefinitely in 1995, calls for a review to be held every five years to assess the operation and implementation of the treaty. –Michaela P. del Callar, Daily Tribune