S/PV.3881 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council strongly deplores the three underground nuclear tests that India conducted on 11 May 1998, and the two further tests conducted on 13 May 1998 despite overwhelming international concern and protests. The Council strongly urges India to refrain from any further tests. It is of the view that such testing is contrary to the de facto moratorium on the testing of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, and to global efforts towards nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament. The Council also expresses its concern at the effects of this development on peace and stability in the region. “The Security Council affirms the crucial importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of “With a view to preventing an escalation in the arms race, in particular with regard to nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, and to preserving peace in the region, the Security Council urges States to exercise maximum restraint. The Council underlines that the sources of tension in South Asia should only be resolved through dialogue and not by military build-up. “The Security Council reiterates the statement by its President on 31 January 1992 (S/23500) which stated, inter alia, that the proliferation of all weapons of mass destruction constitutes a threat to international peace and security.” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/1998/12. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.