United States Mission Geneva

In April 2009 in Prague, President Obama articulated a bold vision: to “seek the peace and security of a world free of nuclear weapons.” We are committed to this ffort no matter how hard it might be, or how long it might take.

The topic of our discussions this week is “effective action on the provision of assistance and coordination with relevant organizations upon request in the case of alleged use of biological or toxin weapons.” Confidence that such assistance will be available strengthens the Biological Weapons Convention. If commitments to provide assistance are real, credible, and effective, they can serve as an incentive for States to join the Convention, and a deterrent to those who might consider using biological weapons.

The 2010 Meeting of Experts will held in the Palais des Nations Room XIX from 23 to 27 August 2010. In accordance with the decision of the Sixth Review Conference, the Meeting of Experts will discuss, and promote common understanding and effective action on the provision of assistance and coordination with relevant organizations upon request by any State Party in the case of alleged use of biological or toxin weapons, including improving national capabilities for disease surveillance, detection and diagnosis and public health systems.

The new U.S. National Space Policy released about two weeks ago is President Obama’s statement of his administration’s highest priorities for space and reflects our principles and goals to be used in shaping the conduct of our space programs and activities. This new policy not only provides a foundation for going forward in our exploration and utilization of space, but also commits our government to lead the way in preserving the space for the benefit of all nations in future generations.

President Obama’s National Space Policy places more emphasis on: expanding international cooperation and collaboration; encouraging responsible action in space; increasing use of commercial space goods and services; strengthening and energizing the U.S. space industrial base; enhancing openness, as well as pursuing new transparency and confidence-building measures; and protecting critical space capabilities.

The President’s National Space Policy, released today, is a strong statement of our principles and goals regarding U.S. national interests and activities in space. It is a commitment that the United States will lead the way in preserving space for the benefits of all nations.

It is particularly fitting for an American like me to discuss this topic here in Prague. Our Czech hosts provided the platform for President Obama to set forth his vision of a world without nuclear weapons and to set out a specific agenda to move towards that goal.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for allowing me to take the floor to offer a tribute to a former colleague and predecessor at the Conference on Disarmament, Ambassador Steve Ledogar, who lost his battle to cancer last week.

Today, Friday June 11 is Kickoff Day for the 2010 World Cup, the first FIFA World Cup ever held on the African continent.
U.S. Diplomats took up the invitation of the Permanent Mission of South Africa for diplomats from qualifying countries to wear their national jerseys to the United Nations on Fridays during the duration of [...]