Belarus’ diplomat: Uncontrolled proliferation of weapons threatens international security

MINSK, 2 November (BelTA) - Belarus is concerned about the uncontrolled proliferation of conventional weapons, Counselor at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Belarus at the UN Nikolai Ovsyanko said when making a speech at the First Committee meeting of the 67th UN General Assembly session, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Foreign Ministry.

Nikolai Ovsyanko spoke about Belarus’ approaches to the problem of conventional weapons. “Belarus’ representative expressed concern about the uncontrolled proliferation of conventional weapons, which has serious implications for international peace and security. The diplomat stressed that Belarus supports efforts aimed at the establishment of a new international instrument that would address key issues in this area. The Belarusian side appreciates the progress made during the conference on the draft treaty on arms trade (July 2012), and noted that to make the treaty universal the negotiations on the draft should be continued in the United Nations,” the Foreign Ministry said.

During the speech the Belarusian representative also expressed condolences to the states affected by the hurricane Sandy.