September, 24 2009, 02:09pm EDT
Obama's Leadership at UN Security Council Applauded
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (https://www.wagingpeace.org) applauded President Barack Obama's leadership this morning as he convened a meeting of the United Nations Security Council and led the unanimous adoption of Resolution 1887, which reaffirms the President's goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
WASHINGTON
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (https://www.wagingpeace.org) applauded President Barack Obama's leadership this morning as he convened a meeting of the United Nations Security Council and led the unanimous adoption of Resolution 1887, which reaffirms the President's goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
"President Obama is quickly distinguishing himself from his modern predecessors as he calls on his counterparts to muster the courage and take the initial steps leading to a world without the deadly threat of nuclear weapons," said David Krieger, president of the NAPF. "The President has now opened the door for the Security Council itself to become far more active in pursuing nonproliferation and disarmament."
The Security Council resolution calls for further progress on nuclear arms reductions through a strengthened Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and for improved security for nuclear weapons materials. It also endorses norms to reduce the likelihood of nuclear energy programs being diverted to weapons programs and proposes ways to deter any nation from withdrawing from the NPT.
Dr. Krieger added, "It is a great first step for the Security Council to adopt this resolution. However, much stronger action is needed soon to arrive at President Obama's vision of a world free of nuclear weapons. As a next step, the Permanent Five members of the Security Council should pledge to never use nuclear weapons first in any future conflict and endorse Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's five-point program for nuclear disarmament."
Krieger continued, "United States leadership and political will have been sorely missing in the past. But now, President Obama is demonstrating such leadership and it is time for other governments and for ordinary citizens to join him."
Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's mission is to educate and advocate for peace and a world free of nuclear weapons, and to empower peace leaders.
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