Jean Asselborn Calls on US, China, Israel to Ratify Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty at 74th UN General Assembly

Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, is currently attending the ministerial week of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, taking place from 24-26 September 2019 in New York.

On the first day of the General Assembly, on Tuesday, Minister Asselborn held a bilateral meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The meeting followed their previous encounter during Jeal Asselborn's visit to Ramallah on 11 September. This occasion provided an opportunity to take stock of the political situation in the Middle East and to once again stress the importance of preserving the prospect of a two-state solution.

Indeed, Minister Asselborn and President Abbas discussed ways to the revive talks between Israel and Palestine following the recent Israeli elections. They agreed that the formation of a new Israeli government headed by a new prime minister could provide a glimmer of hope for the Palestinian people.

On Wednesday, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister participated in the conference supporting the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). On this occasion, Minister Asselborn called on the eight states of Annex 2 of the treaty that have not yet ratified it, ie the United States, China, Egypt, Iran, Israel, India, Pakistan and North Korea, to deposit their instrument of ratification to enable the CTBT to develop its full potential. 

In a particularly difficult and tense context, Jean Asselborn communicated Luxembourg's appreciation of the fairness and accuracy of the CTBT verification regime: "We must continue to develop and further consolidate all of its components". He added that, "given its global reach, this instrument will ensure that states have stopped testing the nuclear weapon, and thus respect their obligations under the Treaty".

On the same day, Minister Asselborn had a bilateral meeting with the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Antonio Vitorino. This exchange was an opportunity to assess the latest migration trends, particularly in the Mediterranean region, and to take stock of the fruitful cooperation between the IOM and Luxembourg. Jean Asselborn also gave the opening address at an event organised by Luxembourg with IOM, Mexico and Colombia to promote migrants' access to health services.

In his speech, also delivered in his capacity as Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Jean Asselborn reminded that quality care for refugees and migrants cannot be supported one health sector alone. He explained: "Coordination and intersectoral approaches are essential to optimise access to health systems". Minister Asselborn also referred to his many travels in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East or even at the gateway to Europe, where he was personally aware of the multiple traumas experienced by migrants and refugees.

During his visit to New York, Jean Asselborn also met with the Prime Minister of Morocco, Saadeddine Othmani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Moldova's Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicolae Popescu and Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. These meetings provided an opportunity to take stock of bilateral relations and to review priority topics for the international agenda.

Finally, at the invitation of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Minister Asselborn took part in the traditional transatlantic dinner on Wednesday. The event brought together the EU and NATO member states, as well as NATO's Secretary General and the EU High Representative in an informal setting.