28 April marks the 20th anniversary of the unanimous adoption by the UN Security Council of resolution 1540, which was the first comprehensive decision of this international body in the area of WMD non-proliferation. The Russian Federation was at the origin of this resolution and acted as its co-sponsor.
The resolution filled the gaps that existed at that time in the global security architecture, becoming, in fact, the only universal legally binding document in the area of WMD non-proliferation, which covers all types of WMD – nuclear, chemical and biological, as well as means of delivery and related materials.
Resolution 1540 has given states an important impetus to take effective measures at the national level to prevent WMD, their means of delivery and WMD materials from falling into the hands of non-state actors, including terrorists. Its full implementation by all countries will make it possible to provide a truly global response to the proliferation challenge affecting the entire world community.
The Russian Federation remains committed to the objectives of the resolution. Our country has taken and continues to regularly improve the measures necessary for its effective implementation, and is ready to continue systematic and systematic work on the resolution in a spirit of cooperation and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States.
Moscow expects that in the current difficult international situation UNSC resolution 1540 will remain viable and that the international community will be able to make maximum use of its unifying potential in the interests of maintaining peace and security.
