Kazakhstan’s anti-nuclear initiatives are an example for other countries. Indeed, the issue of building a world without nuclear weapons has not lost its relevance. 30 years ago the country made a significant contribution to strengthening global security. This was discussed at the UN General Assembly in the U.S. The 12th plenary session was opened with a video address by the First President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
“Our country occupies a special place in the forefront of the movement for a world without nuclear weapons. Moreover, the desire to live without fear and with faith in the future of humanity has become an essential part of the national self-awareness of Kazakh citizens. Kazakhstan had an honorable mission to show all countries that progress and prosperity can be achieved without nuclear muscles. Time has proved that we have correctly defined for ourselves the true strength and power of the new young state. I think that all of the above gives me the moral right to appeal to the global community with a call to follow our example and to use Kazakhstan’s experience around the world,” said Nursultan Nazarbayev, First President of Kazakhstan.
Representatives of delegations attending the traditional meeting stated that Kazakhstan’s decision to close the Semei nuclear test site had been a significant historical event.
“It is wonderful that the UN General Assembly today is having a dedicated session to celebrate the anniversary of the International Day Against Nuclear Testing. And the anniversary this time is most important for Kazakhstan in that it’s 30 years since the First President Nazarbayev took the decision that the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site should be closed. That was a visionary decision,” said Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
A special photo exhibition dedicated to the Semei nuclear test site was also organized as part of the UN General Assembly. The exhibition features photographs, which tell about nuclear tests at the test site, the history of the anti-nuclear movement ‘Nevada-Semei’, and Kazakhstan’s contribution to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova
Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova
