UK supports start of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia
Protocol to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia entered into force in the UK
On 30 January 2015 the Protocol to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia entered into force in the UK after its ratification by the UK Parliament.
This Protocol was signed by the UK, the US, France, China and Russia on 6 May 2014. By signing this document the UK supported the establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia and agreed not to use or threaten to use a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device against any Central Asian country.
The Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia was signed by five republics: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan in 2006 in Semipalatinsk.
Dr Carolyn Browne, British Ambassador in Kazakhstan, said:
“The UK Government strongly welcomes the Central Asian republics commitment to enhance the international non-proliferation regime. We believe that adherence to and compliance with international agreements seeking to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are vital to the maintenance of world security”.