A/RES/56/21
Reaffirming the inalienable right of all States to acquire and develop nuclear
energy for peaceful purposes,
Emphasizing the need for appropriate measures on the question of the
prohibition of military attacks on nuclear facilities,
Bearing in mind the consensus reached by the General Assembly since its
thirty-fifth session that the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the
Middle East would greatly enhance international peace and security,
Desirous of building on that consensus so that substantial progress can be
made towards establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East,
Welcoming all initiatives leading to general and complete disarmament,
including in the region of the Middle East, and in particular on the establishment
therein of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons,
Noting the peace negotiations in the Middle East, which should be of a
comprehensive nature and represent an appropriate framework for the peaceful
settlement of contentious issues in the region,
Recognizing the importance of credible regional security, including the
establishment of a mutually verifiable nuclear-weapon-free zone,
Emphasizing the essential role of the United Nations in the establishment of a
mutually verifiable nuclear-weapon-free zone,
Having examined the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of
General Assembly resolution 55/30, 2
1.
Urges all parties directly concerned to consider seriously taking the
practical and urgent steps required for the implementation of the proposal to
establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East in accordance
with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, and, as a means of promoting
this objective, invites the countries concerned to adhere to the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons; 3
2.
Calls upon all countries of the region that have not done so, pending the
establishment of the zone, to agree to place all their nuclear activities under
International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards;
3.
Takes note of resolution GC(45)/RES/18, adopted on 21 September 2001
by the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency at its fortyfifth regular session, concerning the application of Agency safeguards in the Middle
East; 4
4.
Notes the importance of the ongoing bilateral Middle East peace
negotiations and the activities of the multilateral Working Group on Arms Control
and Regional Security in promoting mutual confidence and security in the Middle
East, including the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone;
5.
Invites all countries of the region, pending the establishment of a nuclearweapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East, to declare their support for
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2
A/56/187.
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 729, No. 10485.
4
See International Atomic Energy Agency, Resolutions and Other Decisions of the General Conference,
Forty-fifth Regular Session, 17–21 September 2001 (GC(45)/RES/DEC(2001)).
3
2