The European Union is concerned by the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy said.
"The EU remains gravely concerned by the major proliferation challenges posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Islamic Republic of Iran, who have both continued to violate their international obligations," Catherine Ashton told the NPT review conference which opened on Monday at the UN headquarters in New York.
North Korea withdrew from the NPT treaty in 2003 and has since held two nuclear tests. Iran remains a signatory to the treaty, but is suspected of developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian nuclear energy program. The Islamic Republic claims that it needs a nuclear program solely for generating electricity for civilian needs.
She urged all states to follow their international nuclear non-proliferation commitments.
"We continue to work towards the universality of the NPT and call once again on those states not yet party to the NPT to join the Treaty as Non Nuclear Weapon States and, pending their accession to the NPT, to adhere to its terms and pledge commitments to non-proliferation and disarmament," she said.
All UN members except Israel, India, North Korea and Pakistan are signatories of the NPT.
"The EU calls upon all States Parties to live up to both challenges and opportunities and work constructively towards reaffirming the fundamental principles underlying the Treaty," Ashton added.
The EU top diplomat called on the international community to ensure "strict compliance" with the non-proliferation treaty and urged it to take "resolute action" against violators.
NPT review conferences are held every five years. During the last one, in 2005, the countries failed to agree on a single declaration.
The NPT is an international agreement on control over the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. It fixes the right of all member states to research, produce and use nuclear power for civilian purposes.
"Given the current challenges in the field of international security, in particular the risks of proliferation, we are convinced that the NPT is more important now than ever," Ashton said.
NEW YORK, May 4 (RIA Novosti)
