1 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –
The UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, has warned of the risk that the high tensions in terms of nuclear weapons pose to the world, highlighting the danger that Russian collaboration with Belarus could ultimately lead to a transfer of weapons nuclear weapons to its territory.
“The danger of a nuclear weapon being used is now higher than it has ever been since the Cold War,” the high representative warned during a session of the UN Security Council.
He recalled that all countries adhered to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), signed by Belarus and signed and ratified by Russia, that they must strictly comply with it: “When we talk about issues related to nuclear weapons, all States must avoid making decisions that could lead to an escalation, error or miscalculation”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on March 25 an agreement with Belarus for the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear bombs on Belarusian soil, in response to Britain’s announcement that it will deliver depleted uranium ammunition to the Ukrainian Army.
For Nakamitsu, the countries involved should “return to dialogue urgently to avoid an escalation”, and reiterated Russia’s request to return to the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).
For its part, the Government of Belarus justified the need to strengthen its defensive capabilities given the “legitimate concerns” it has in terms of security and called international reactions to the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons “exaggerated”.
