Remarks to the Conference on Disarmament on Agenda Item 5: Other Weapons Systems – Cyber
We – the international community – must push back hard against states that seeks to exploit and undermine the open nature of cyberspace. Read More»
Remarks to the Conference on Disarmament on Agenda Item 4: Negative Security Assurances
Remarks by Auden McKernan U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament at the Conference on Disarmament Plenary Session on Agenda Item 4: Effective international arrangements to assure non-nuclear-weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons June 8, 2021 Thank you, Mr. President. The United States welcomes the opportunity to address the issue of security assurances, both “positive” and “negative.” ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Wood for the Session on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space
All countries have a shared stake in addressing threats and preventing conflict from extending into outer space, as space-based capabilities are essential to our respective countries’ economies and societies. Read More»
Ambassador Wood Remarks at UNODA on Existing and Potential Threats and Security Risks to Space Systems
As participants at this week’s events are no doubt aware, the security situation in the outer space environment is an increasingly dangerous one. Read More»
Ambassador Wood Remarks to the CD – Plenary Thematic Debate on Agenda Item 2
Prevention of Nuclear War & All Related Matters: Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty Read More»
Ambassador Wood’s Remarks to the CD Plenary Thematic Debate on Agenda Item 2
Prevention of Nuclear War, Including All Related Matters: Nuclear Risk Reduction Read More»
Ambassador Wood: to the CD Plenary Thematic Debate on Agenda Item 1
Effective verification is a critical component of any arms control or disarmament treaty. Verification measures must be robust. They must be feasible. That is how we build lasting agreements that can improve our security. Read More»
Ambassador Wood Remarks to the BWC Universalization Workshop in Africa
The COVID-19 pandemic has tragically demonstrated that biological threats can affect every corner of the globe. Read More»
Secretary Blinken: Remarks at the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament
I pledge that the United States is here to work, cooperate, and once again use the Conference on Disarmament to create bold, innovative agreements to protect ourselves and each other. We hope you will be our partner in these efforts. Read More»
President Biden to Sign Executive Actions Restoring America’s Place in World
Today, President Biden is taking additional action to reassert our values on the world stage, to restore clarity and leadership to how America makes its foreign policy, and to support and empower the national security professionals who execute our policies, building a modern national security force that looks like the nation it serves. Read More»
Remarks by President Biden on America’s Place in the World
America is back. Diplomacy is back at the center of our foreign policy. Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Robert Wood at the Conference on Disarmament Plenary Meeting
The United States believes the New START Treaty is manifestly in the national security interests of the United States, our allies, and the global community. Read More»
On the Extension of the New START Treaty with the Russian Federation
President Biden pledged to keep the American people safe from nuclear threats by restoring U.S. leadership on arms control and nonproliferation. Read More»
Ambassador Robert Wood: Statement During the UN First Committee General Debate
United Nations First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) General Debate Speech Ambassador Robert Wood U.S. Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, U.S. Special Representative for Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) Issues and U.S. Commissioner for the New START Treaty’s Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC) October 9, 2020 Text of Video Statement Thank you, Mr. ... Read More»
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(e)
Possible options for addressing the humanitarian and international security challenges posed by emerging technologies in the area of LAWS Read More»
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(d)
Review of potential military applications of related technologies Read More»
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(c)
Further consideration of the human element in the use of lethal force and aspects of human-machine interaction in the development, deployment and use of emerging technologies in the area of LAWS Read More»
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(b)
Characterization of the systems under consideration in order to promote a common understanding on concepts and characteristics relevant to the objectives and purposes of the Convention Read More»
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(a)
An exploration of the potential challenges posed by emerging technologies in the area of LAWS to International Humanitarian Law Read More»
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Opening Statement
Opening Statement Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems Statement September 21, 2020 Thank you Mr. Chair for stepping in to lead the GGE, and let me begin by ensuring you of our delegation’s support during the upcoming meeting. We also thank Ambassador Karklins for his work, including his initiative to invite national ... Read More»
Ambassador Robert Wood: Remarks At the Final Plenary Meeting of CD’s 2020 Session
The United States has shown much flexibility during this negotiation. And we will continue to work with you and other delegations to pass a final report. Read More»
Ambassador Robert Wood: Remarks at the Conference on Disarmament Plenary
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the United States, I congratulate you on your assumption of the CD Presidency and assure you of my delegation’s support as you guide us through the closure of the 2020 session. Read More»
Ambassador Robert Wood: Statement at the Conference on Disarmament
Every CD Member State, indeed, Mr. President, every nation on Earth, should insist, as a matter of international peace and security, that China engage on nuclear arms control, transparency, and confidence building with the United States and the Russian Federation without further delay. Read More»
25th Anniversary of the Extension of the Non-Proliferation Treaty
On May 11, 1995, States Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons decided that the Treaty, known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty or NPT, should remain in force indefinitely. Read More»
Report of the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team Regarding Incidents in Ltamenah, Syria
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) released a report attributing 3 instances of chemical weapons use to the Assad regime Read More»
New Report Showcases U.S. Global Leadership in Landmine Clearance, Conventional Weapons Destruction
The United States is the world’s single largest financial supporter of conventional weapons destruction, investing over $3.7 billion in more than 100 countries since 1993. Read More»
IAEA Reports Nuclear Concerns in Iran
Secretary Pompeo: "The United States remains committed to denying Iran any pathway to a nuclear weapon." Read More»
U.S. General Statement at the 2019 BWC Meeting of States Parties
Ambassador Wood: "Mr. Chairman, the United States would like to see this Meeting of States Parties (MSP) adopt at least some modest decisions or recommendations on substantive matters." Read More»
CCW: U.S. Statement on Implementation of and Compliance with the Convention and its Protocols
The United States does not support adding a separate item on Protocol III to the agenda of next year’s meeting or amending Protocol III. Read More»
CCW Meeting of High Contracting Parties – U.S. Statement on Emerging Issues
Urban areas are admittedly complex operating environments during war, but existing IHL appropriately governs the use of explosive weapons, like all weapons, including through principles and rules related to the protection of civilians. Read More»
U.S. Statement at Conference of High Contracting Parties to CCW Protocol V
The United States greatly values Protocol V as an instrument that brings together States with the common goal of minimizing the risk and effects of Explosive Remnants of War. Full implementation of Protocol V assists in our collective efforts to reduce the post-conflict humanitarian problems caused by ERW. Read More»
CCW: U.S. Statement on Consideration of the GGE Report on LAWS
The United States places great value in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) as an international humanitarian law (IHL) treaty framework that brings together States with diverse security interests to discuss issues related to weapons that may be deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects. Read More»
CCW: U.S. Statement on Improving the Financial Stability of the Convention
The United States is prepared to join consensus on the creation of a Working Capital Fund to provide liquidity for CCW staff costs over the course of the year, but from our perspective it is important to incorporate several key elements in the terms of reference. Read More»
U.S. Statement at Conference of High Contracting Parties to Amended Protocol II to the CCW
The United States values the opportunities the meeting of experts provide for High Contracting Parties to voluntarily share humanitarian mine action best practices and other issues related to implementation of the protocol. Read More»
On the Eighteenth Session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission Under the New START Treaty
The eighteenth session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission under the U.S.-Russia New START Treaty was held in Geneva from November 6-13, 2019. Read More»
Statement by Ambassador Wood: The Threats Posed by Russia and China to Security of the Outer Space Environment.
The United States has explained in detail, many times our concerns about definitions and about verification related to objects in outer space and especially related to the draft "Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space" that has been submitted to this body by Russia and China. We have previously provided ... Read More»
Ambassador Robert Wood’s CD Remarks on Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
Ambassador Wood: "One of the essential steps toward the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons is an end to the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons, which is the principal objective of an FMCT." Read More»
U.S. Withdrawal from the INF Treaty on August 2, 2019
The United States provided its six-month notice of withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty due to the Russian Federation’s continuing violation of the treaty. Read More»
INF Myth Busters: Pushing Back on Russian Propaganda Regarding the INF Treaty
INF Myth Busters: Pushing Back on Russian Propaganda Regarding the INF Treaty. Read More»
Timeline of Highlighted U.S. Diplomacy Regarding the INF Treaty Since 2013
Timeline of Highlighted U.S. Diplomacy Regarding the INF Treaty Since 2013. Read More»
Deputy Secretary Sullivan, Senior Officials, Brief NATO Allies on U.S.-Russia Strategic Security Dialogue
The dialogue is a continuation of U.S. and Russian discussions on a broad range of strategic security issues. Read More»
Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s Participation in Strategic Security Dialogue with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov
The Strategic Security Dialogue is the latest in a series of meetings the United States has conducted with Russian officials to build on Secretary Pompeo’s and Foreign Minister Lavrov’s discussions during their May 14 meeting in Sochi, Russia. Read More»
U.S. Statement at the 2019 Session of the Conference on Disarmament
Ambassador Wood: "Today is the day many members of the Conference on Disarmament have been waiting for since May 27: the end of the disastrous and illegitimate CD presidency of the former Maduro regime in Venezuela." Read More»
2019 Session of the Conference on Disarmament: U.S. Statement
The United States therefore condemns, in the strongest terms, Venezuela’s presidency of this body while it is represented by members of the illegitimate Maduro regime. As such, we will boycott the CD for the next four weeks – the duration of Venezuela’s presidency. Read More»
Arms Control and International Security: Lessons From Disarmament History for the CEND Initiative
When we emphasize the degree to which the CEND initiative learns lessons from the past about how it is futile — and can be counterproductive — to try to address disarmament issues without considering the underlying circumstances of the security environment in which disarmament-related decisions take place, we are not just making idle assumptions. This ... Read More»
Nuclear Disarmament Colloquium: Closing Remarks
As we work with international partners to make this emerging dialogue a reality, I think the approach and the insights that animate today’s colloquium are precisely the right ones. I think we all share a commitment to bringing into being a world that is not only free of nuclear weapons, but is also one in ... Read More»
U.S. Global Leadership in Landmine Clearance and Conventional Weapons Destruction
Today’s release of the 18th edition of To Walk the Earth in Safety, the Department of State’s annual report summarizing the accomplishments of the U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction Program, highlights our enduring commitment to making post-conflict communities safer and setting the stage for their recovery and development. Read More»
Convention on CCW GGE: Possible Options for Addressing Challenges Posed by LAWS
We, like all States, desire a successful outcome to this GGE. We have sought to contribute to a successful outcome by participating actively in these discussions, including with representatives from our Defense Department and The submission of Several working papers. Read More»
Convention on CCW GGE: U.S. Practice in the Assessment of Weapons Systems
The United States would like to supplement its remarks during yesterday’s session on IHL challenges by responding to a few points raised by our colleagues and by offering a deeper exploration of U.S. practices in the assessment of weapons systems, which we hope will, to borrow from our Australian counterparts, both deepen and broaden understandings ... Read More»
CCW GGE: Potential Challenges Posed by Emerging Technologies in the Area of LAWS to IHL
Mr. Chair, let me briefly address some of the questions in the program of work before expounding in a bit more detail how legal reviews can contribute to IHL compliance. Read More»
Convention on CCW GGE: Consideration of the Human Element in the Use of Lethal Force
The key issue for human-machine interaction in emerging technologies in the area of LAWS is ensuring that machines help effectuate the intention of commanders and the operators of weapon systems. Read More»
Our Vision for a Constructive, Collaborative Disarmament Discourse
Assistant Secretary Christopher Ford: "The United States is in the process of developing implementation plans for a pathbreaking new initiative aimed at bringing countries together in a constructive dialogue exploring ways in which it might be possible to ameliorate conditions in the global security environment so as to make that environment more conducive to further ... Read More»
Convention on CCW GGE: Characterization of the Systems under Consideration
The United States Supports identifying general characteristics of systems that should be under the GGE’s consideration. Read More»
U.S. Statement on LAWS: Potential Military Applications of Advanced Technology
The United States believes that discussion of the possible options for addressing the humanitarian and international security challenges posed by emerging technologies in the area of LAWS must involve consideration of how these technologies can be used to enhance the protection of the civilian population against the effects of hostilities. Read More»
Statement by Assistant Secretary Poblete at the Conference on Disarmament
"Let me reiterate that the United States remains committed to arms control efforts and remains receptive to future arms control negotiations if conditions permit." Read More»
Ambassador Robert Wood’s Remarks before the Conference on Disarmament Plenary Session
I’m taking the floor to put on the record my government’s strong opposition to a representative of the former Maduro regime occupying the seat reserved for Venezuela. Read More»
U.S. Chairs Mine Action Support Group Meeting
The United States currently holds the chairmanship of MASG, a group of over 30 donor states working together to coordinate humanitarian mine action programs and increase mine action where it is most needed. Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Wood to the Mine Action Support Group
"We are happy to host you and the Mine Action Support Group (MASG) again this year. The MASG serves a very important role in the international donor community." Read More»
U.S. Intends To Withdraw from the INF Treaty February 2, 2019
"The United States remains committed to effective arms control that advances U.S., allied, and partner security; is verifiable and enforceable; and includes partners that comply responsibly with their obligations." Read More»
U.S. Statement by Ambassador Wood at the 2019 Session of the Conference on Disarmament
Today, I would like to speak with you about the importance of compliance with arms control obligations and the consequences when states violate arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and commitments. As Secretary Pompeo has said, “when treaties are broken, the violators must be confronted, and the treaties must be fixed or discarded. Words should ... Read More»
Statement by Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea L. Thompson
Today we held talks with a Russian delegation on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Read More»
Briefing on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF)
We’ve discussed our concerns about Russia’s longstanding violations of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty for many years now. Read More»
Russia’s Violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty
Since 2013, the United States has raised its concerns with Russia regarding Russian development of a ground-launched cruise missile (NATO designator: SSC-8, Russian designator: 9M729) with a range capability between 500 and 5,500 kilometers on repeated occasions. Read More»
Statement on Venezuela at the 2018 BWC Meeting of States Parties
Ambassador Wood: "Mr. Chairman, the United States cannot accept the choice of Venezuela as one of the Vice Chairs of the BWC Meeting of States Parties." Read More»
U.S. General Statement at the 2018 BWC Meeting Of States Parties
Ambassador Wood: "Mr. Chairman, the BWC is confronted by a range of substantive challenges arising from the threat of biological weapons." Read More»
Remarks at the Fourth Special Session to Review the Operation of the Chemical Weapons Convention
One of the founding principles of the CWC is to “exclude completely the possibility of use of chemical weapons, through implementation of the provisions” of the CWC. The success of this principle depends entirely on all States Parties’ compliance with their obligations. When States Parties fail to meet these obligations, they must be held accountable. Read More»
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons: Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War
The U.S. Delegation appreciates Iraq’s efforts to focus our discussions this year on the clearance of explosive remnants of war, or ERW. The United States has long supported efforts to clear ERW in Iraq, and we are proud of the cooperative partnership that we have developed with the government of Iraq in addressing the danger ... Read More»
Explanation of Votes in the First Committee on Resolutions L.3 and L.68 / Rev.1
Although the U.S. delegation voted against these resolutions, our votes in no way detract from our longstanding support for voluntary transparency and confidence-building measures (TCBMs) for outer space activities. Read More»
Explanation of Vote in the First Committee on Resolution: L.50, “No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space”
The United States, France and the United Kingdom look forward to continuing to engage constructively and pragmatically with other UN Member States in order to strengthen the safety, stability, security, and sustainability of outer space activities. Read More»
Arms Control and International Security: Remarks at UN General Assembly First Committee Discussion on Conventional Weapons
Mr. Chairman, the United States is a High Contracting Party to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and all of its Protocols. We view the CCW as an important instrument because it has brought together States with diverse national security concerns, but shared concern over certain threats that affect us all. Read More»
Ambassador Wood’s Remarks at UN General Assembly First Committee Discussion on Regional Disarmament and Security
States base their decisions regarding deterrence and defense on their perceptions of the security environment. The U.S initiative on “Creating the Conditions for Nuclear Disarmament” – which we refer to as “CCND” for short – reflects that reality by recognizing that reducing regional tensions and conflicts will contribute to creating conditions conducive to progress on ... Read More»
Remarks to the UN’s First Committee on a Vote to Consider Adding a Russian Draft Resolution to the Committee’s Agenda
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you for your efforts to try and find a consensus way forward on this issue. Read More»
Sixteenth Session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission Under the New START Treaty
The Sixteenth Session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission under the U.S.–Russia New START Treaty was held in Geneva from October 10–18, 2018. Read More»
Joint Statement on Syria’s Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament
Ambassador Wood: "This joint statement reflects the great concern a number of countries have about the damage Syria’s CD presidency has done to Conference.” Read More»
Assistant Secretary Poblete Addresses the Conference on Disarmament
United States Remarks at the Conference on Disarmament As delivered by Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Yleem D.S. Poblete Geneva, Switzerland August 14, 2018 Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, all. Mr. President, I would like to bring to the attention of this body a matter related to outer space ... Read More»
Syria has Neither the Credibility nor the Moral Authority to Assume the Presidency of the CD
Ambassador Robert Wood: Simply put, it is a travesty that the Syrian regime – which continues to indiscriminately slaughter its own people with weapons banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention – should presume to preside over this body. Read More»
After the Deal: A New Iran Strategy
Secretary Pompeo: "We'll continue to work with allies to counter the regime's destabilizing activities in the region, block their financing of terror, and address Iran's proliferation of missiles and other advanced weapons systems that threaten peace and stability. We will also ensure Iran has no path to a nuclear weapon -- not now, not ever. ... Read More»
NPT PrepCom: Closing Statement by U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood
Closing Statement by the United States Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Ambassador Robert A. Wood Permanent Representative of the United States to the Conference on Disarmament Geneva, May 4, 2018 Mr. Chairman, First, allow me to thank you for your impressive ... Read More»
Ambassador Robert Wood: NPT PrepCom Cluster 3 – Specific Issue Strengthened Review Process
The United States remains committed to the 1995 decision related to Art VIII on strengthening the review process. Read More»
Ambassador Robert Wood: NPT PrepCom Cluster 3 – Specific Issue-Withdrawal
As we review the implementation of the Treaty, it is important to consider the current challenges and how we can adapt and respond to preserve the benefits of the Treaty for all. Read More»
U.S. Statement at NPT PrepCom in Cluster 3: Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
As we approach the NPT’s 50thanniversary, the United States reaffirms its commitment to promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in accordance with Article IV of the Treaty and in support of the development goals of NPT Parties. Read More»
International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons
Ambassador Wood: "The international community is at a critical juncture in the fight to uphold the international norm against chemical weapons use." Read More»
Key Facts About New START Treaty Implementation
Through the Treaty’s verification regime, which includes short-notice, on-site inspections at New START Treaty-related bases and facilities, the United States is able to verify information about the strategic nuclear arsenal of the Russian Federation. The verification regime provides both countries insight into each other’s strategic nuclear delivery systems, warheads, and facilities. Read More»
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