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»
Secretary Pompeo’s Remarks at the United Nations Security Council Meeting on Iran
Secretary Pompeo: "Our goodwill gestures have been futile in correcting the Iranian regime’s reckless missile activity and its destructive behaviors. No nation can dispute that Iran is in open defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231." Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Ministerial Dec. 11: Deputy Secretary Sullivan delivered opening remarks at The Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Ministerial at ... 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»
Joint Statement of President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un at the Singapore Summit
President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a first, historic summit in Singapore on June 12, 2018. 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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