Topic: Peaceful Development of Nuclear Energy and Control of Fissile Material
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Collin Mathias
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Italy position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
Since the first resolution of the United Nations, we as the world have been working on the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been the main source of UN focus on nuclear energy since its inception on 1 July 1968. The Italian Republic signed the NPT on 28 January 1969. Italy also works with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to promote the civil use of this technology. Despite the longevity of these organizations though, more countries have begun to develop Nuclear Energy with aggressive intent.
The Italian Republic was among the first to develop Nuclear Technology for civil manners. However, after the Chernobyl incident, Italy's plants were discontinued and shut down. However in 2009, Italy and France signed a deal to construct 4 new Nuclear plants in Italy using France's expertise. Italy hopes, with France, to make Nuclear Energy a priority. Italy was the chair to the G8 Summit in Aquila where the G8 committed to "reducing and eventually eliminating existing nuclear arsenals; strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons to additional nations; and preventing terrorists and political extremists from obtaining nuclear weapons or materials".
The United States' President Obama has a vision of a “world without nuclear weapons”. With the New START, this is believed to be possible. While a zero-nuclear weapon option is not going to happen tomorrow, it is something that must begin today. The United States and Russia have set an example for the world to follow with their plan to sign the New START. With this, the number of nuclear weapons will be decreased by each country.
Italy pushes now for all the world to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. That, with the Fissile Materials Cut-off Treaty can rid begin to rid the world of the supplies of nuclear weapons. We must bring North Korea back into the Six Party Talks. Their leadership must understand that nuclear technology must be used as a source of energy, but not weapons. The example set by Russia and the Untied States might be a step in the right direction, but Italy will not rest until we are in a world free of nuclear weapons. Italy does not intend to show any flexibility at all on that matter. Step-by-step, Italy works to bring the world together and free us of the terror of nuclear weapons. The Italian Republic plans for a gradually decline in the amount of nuclear weapons. The UN must adopt stronger guidelines for the NPT and establish a similiar commitment as the G8 leaders did. The Italian Republic stands ready.
