STATEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
66^TH SESSION OF THE CTBTO WORKING GROUP A,
BY MR JOHANN PASCHALIS, COUNSELLOR MULTILATERAL
16 OCTOBER 2024, VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Chair,

My delegation thanks the Executive Secretary for his report on the non-verification-related activities of the PTS for the period April to August 2024.

South Africa associates itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the G77 and China as well as the African Group, and would like to make the following additional remarks in our national capacity.

Chair,

South Africa remains deeply concerned about the rising threat to international peace and security as the result of the current intensifying geopolitical tensions, especially among nuclear powers. Similarly, rhetoric around the threat of use of nuclear weapons is gaining traction.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is an important element of the set of mutually reinforcing instruments aimed at accomplishing our common goals of nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation. Early entry-into-force remains an urgent priority for South Africa, and we regret recent developments that weaken the norm against nuclear testing. We call on all Annex II States that have yet to take the requisite steps to ratify this Treaty to do so without further delay, and for the voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing to be upheld.

We support the ongoing outreach and outreach efforts of the PTS to promote signature and ratification of the Treaty and welcome the Regional Workshop for Africa which was held earlier in the year to promote universalization within the region and to highlight the benefits of Treaty membership.

Chair,

South Africa attaches great importance to the functionality of the IMS network and support the timely maintenance and sustainment of IMS system which will form the backbone of the verification regime once the CTBTO enters into force. My delegation welcomes the four very useful information papers on IMS sustainment and looks forward to constructive collective deliberations over the next year towards reaching agreement on an appropriate IMS sustainment strategy.   

South Africa has consistently emphasized the importance of respecting the principle of territorial integrity of States in establishing and maintaining the IMS. In this regard, my delegation follows with interest the announcement of the historic agreement between the Republic of Mauritius and the United Kingdom which recognizes Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. We look forward to the finalization of the practical modalities, including on the long-term management of the HA08 station.

Chair,

My delegation takes note of the final of 2025 Budget Update Proposals and welcomes the fact that it was possible to reduce the portion financed through assessed contributions as the result of optimization and reprioritization of activities and an upward revision in anticipated interest income for the year 2025.

Finally, my delegation welcomes the proactive recruitment process based on comprehensive staffing plans, and emphasizes the importance principles of equitable geographical distribution, gender equality and the promotion of youth in science. 

Thank you. 

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