United Nations Security Council Resolution on Nuclear Weapons in Space
In a recent development, the United States and Japan jointly proposed a resolution at the United Nations Security Council urging countries to refrain from deploying or developing nuclear weapons in space. The resolution emphasized the importance of preventing the placement of any kind of nuclear weapons in orbit.
Key Points of the Resolution:
- The resolution stresses that countries should not develop nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction intended for placement in space.
- It reminds countries to adhere to the duties outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons in space.
- The resolution indirectly addresses concerns about Russia’s alleged plans to place warheads in orbit.
Reactions to the Resolution:
US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, expressed strong opposition to the idea of placing nuclear weapons in space, calling it unprecedented, dangerous, and unacceptable. She highlighted Russia’s recent actions and rhetoric regarding nuclear weapons.
Japan’s Foreign Minister, Yoko Kamikawa, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in outer space, citing past agreements during the Cold War era.
Russian representative Dmitry Polyanskiy criticized the resolution, suggesting it was a political move without proper expert consultation or international discussion.
Historical Context:
The resolution comes in the wake of historical events such as the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, underscoring the significance of preventing nuclear proliferation.
