Topic: Peaceful Development of Nuclear Energy and Control of Fissile Material
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Celia Kaechele
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All United States position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
The situation of nuclear power stands with a number of countries who recognize the influence this power carries in the international community, while other countries struggle to grasp its relevance to their own internal struggles. These are typically developing nations who face domestic challenges and place those above all else on their list of priorities. There is also the issue of countries who have either declined to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, or have signed but have since withdrawn said signature. It is essential that this document have influence worldwide, and the areas in which it could do the most good are declining its aid. Finally, there remains the common misconception that Nonproliferation means the reduction of all nuclear material, even that being use for peaceful purposes, such as a source of energy. The misguided holders of this belief will have to recognize the fact that this is not the case, and in fact, the right to have nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is protected by the NPT.
The United States of America is a tireless supporter of nonproliferation, as well as the ability to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as long it does not contradict the NPT, the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540(2004), or the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). The United States is also a member of the G-8 Worldwide Partnership that works to address nuclear terrorism, disarmament and nuclear security along with other issues. Not only does the United States support these organizations and take part in the majority of them, but we have also set up the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund, which allows the United States to respond rapidly to unanticipated, but high priority nonproliferation and disarmament opportunities.
The United States cannot stress strongly enough the influence of UNSCR 1540(2004) and the impact it needs to have worldwide in conjunction with the NPT. It is essential that all countries ratify this treaty in order for it to have its intended effects, things like the legitimization of the PSI, as well as the statement of each countries obligation to arms control and disarmament.
The United States will naturally be seeking support from the other G-8 members (Canada, Japan, Italy, The United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, as well as the European Union that is also often represented), and hopes to also receive support from all those nations who have signed the NPT, as well as those in favor of UNSCR 1540. We look forward to the prospect of uniting the world under the goal of nuclear nonproliferation.
