Top U.N. officials called today for the elimination and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, at a one-day meeting on nuclear disarmament hosted by the United Nations General Assembly.
As he opened the meeting, which is part of the general discussions at the 68th General Assembly, John Ashe, the president of the main U.N. authority said that the world is not safe as long as “catastrophic weapons” exist.
The diplomat from Antigua and Barbuda also warned that the resources devoted to increasing the military complex, including nuclear weapons, represent a misappropriation of those necessary resources needed to fight poverty and fund education, health, and sustainable-development.
According to Ashe, the meeting should contribute to the creation of an agenda for a safe, prosperous and peaceful planet.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon referred to the need to promote nuclear disarmament, and said that it is a priority while he remains in office.
Ban recalled his five-point proposal made in October, 2010, to deal with one of the most serious threats to humankind, faced with an estimated 23,000 nuclear weapons, of which nearly half are ready to be used.
During the top-level meeting, presidents of several countries will speak, representing regional organizations and blocs.
Via PL