Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty - EU Parliament Hearing considers its future

Sumario: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty - EU Parliament Hearing considers its future (20 September 2006: Brussels)

During the cold war the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was the cornerstone of international efforts to control the balance of nuclear bomb-making technology. In the complex post cold-war international environment, the spread of nuclear technology and fears it could fall into terrorist hands have become major concerns. A hearing by the Parliament's security and defence subcommittee considered whether the NPT remains an effective tool to deal with new threats.

188 signatories - although some nuclear powers stay out

Negotiated after the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, the Treaty aims to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. It has three main elements: non-proliferation - countries with nuclear weapons will not transfer them to others and non-nuclear powers will not seek weapons; disarmament - states are obliged to reduce nuclear stockpiles; and, the right to use nuclear technology peacefully. As we shall see, the last aspect has led to considerable controversy.

At present five of seven confirmed nuclear weapons states have signed the Treaty. India and Pakistan have not. Israel is also believed to have nuclear weapons, but has not confirmed or denied this. Only two states, South Africa and Libya, have abandoned their nuclear programmes.

The proliferation of weapons material is of major international concern. The Chair of the defence committee, German Christian Democrat Karl von Wogau asked: "Are terrorists able to build a dirty nuclear bomb?". The ability to acquire nuclear weapons would give groups or individuals the same destructive forces as a state.

Nuclear technology: but for what purpose?

The right to use nuclear technology for peaceful means is at the heart of international discussions over the Iranian nuclear project. Tehran maintains the right to have nuclear power while the west is worried about its intentions. The chair of parliament's delegation for relations with Iran, German Green Angelika Beer, noted that for some countries "there is a dilemma about the peaceful use of nuclear energy as the distinction between peaceful and military use is dubious".

A clause in the NPT allowing states to withdraw - as North Korea has - was criticised. Dr. Bruno Tertrais, a researcher for the Paris based "Strategic Research Foundation" said the withdrawal clause is "exceedingly permissive".

The European Security strategy of 2003 - approved by all EU heads of government - called the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction "potentially the greatest threat to our security... we are...entering a new and dangerous period that raises the possibility of a WMD arms race, especially in the Middle East". The solution has been to try and get all states to respect the NPT and to strengthen the world's nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency. Europe has also offered the "carrot" of lucrative trade incentives and diplomatic links in an effort to persuade countries like Iran to forsake nuclear programmes. Whether this will prove sufficient inducement, only time will tell.

Ref: EP09-024EN
Fuente UE: Parlamento Europeo
Foro NU:
Fecha: 20/9/2006

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