The Twenty-Fourth Session of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) was held from 27 to 30 June 2005.
In his speech delivered to the PrepCom, Ambassador Wu Hailong pointed out that it is disappointing that the Seventh Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty held last month in New York ended without result. The failure of the Review Conference definitely brings negative impact on CTBT consequently and makes the entry in force of CTBT more gloomy, since the early entry into force of CTBT is one of the highly concerned agenda of the Review Conference. Nevertheless, the fundamental role CTBT played within the international arms control and non-proliferation regime is undeniable and irreplaceable.
Ambassador Wu stressed that, as nuclear-weapon State, China will definitely support the principles and objectives of the Treaty, devoted to the early entry into force of the Treaty and scrupulously abide by the commitment of test moratorium.
With regard to the 2006 budget, Ambassador Wu supported to provide necessary and adequate resources to the PrepCom in order to make the PTS fulfill its task and preparatory work fully.
Regarding restructuring of the PTS and review of the organization and method of work of the PrepCom, Ambassador Wu expressed support for any effort contributing to enhancement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the PTS and PrepCom in principle, and the willingness to cooperate with all the other parties to explore the best measures for this end.
Ambassador Wu also expressed his thankfulness to Executive Secretary Wolfgang Hoffmann, who will end his tenure at the end of this July, for his contribution to the establishment and development of the PTS during the last eight years.