NEW YORK, Nov 20: Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Al-Banai, emphasized that establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East can only be achieved through serious regional and international cooperation.

Ambassador Al-Banai made these remarks during his speech at the UN’s Fifth Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, being held in New York from November 18 to 22.

He expressed Kuwait's strong commitment to the creation of a nuclear-free zone in the region, noting the country’s leadership in chairing the second conference, which resulted in the approval of several measures, including the formation of a committee to improve communication between conference sessions.

Kuwait also proposed a suggestion during the fourth session to establish a small group consisting of countries that chaired previous sessions, tasked with implementing important measures. Ambassador Al-Banai urged the UN to approve and launch this group, given its crucial role in achieving the conference's objectives.

He also raised concerns about the threat posed by secret nuclear facilities that operate outside the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warning that such activities present a direct threat to regional and global security.

Kuwait’s Ambassador expressed deep concern about the lack of commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, stressing that the dismantling of such weapons is the best way to ensure the region's safety.

In his remarks, he noted that Israel had refrained from participating in past conference sessions and is the only nation that has not joined the NPT. While Kuwait hopes all nations will engage in this process, Ambassador Al-Banai made it clear that the country will not accept dealing with a government that lacks basic human morals and is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

He concluded by reiterating calls for the international community and the UN Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities in ending the ongoing genocide in Palestine, allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid, and ensuring that those responsible for war crimes are brought to justice.