Message by President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen on the 2012 Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and All Other Weapons of Mass Destruction

United Nations, 14 October 2011

Finland is honored to undertake the role of the host country and facilitator for the 2012 Conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. We are committed to do our utmost as we now begin our work, humbled by the challenges ahead yet confident in the shared understanding of the importance of this long-standing goal.

In 1995, the Resolution adopted by the NPT Review Conference set the bold aim of establishing such a zone. The 2010 Review Conference opened a new window of opportunity to move forward in this issue which touches upon the security of the region as a whole.

We realize that the task ahead is not easy. But it is very important. Constructive deliberation and cooperation by all stakeholders are vital. I hope that countries of the region come together for such a dialogue. I am convinced that consultations carried out by the facilitator can serve as a useful platform.

I would like to extend my fullest support to Mr. Laajava in this task. I am grateful that Finland enjoys the trust of the Secretary General, the co-sponsors of the 1995 Resolution as well as other Member States.

A zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East would be a major contribution to disarmament and non-proliferation as well as to regional and global security. It is now our joint responsibility to succeed.