1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference

1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference
Name	1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference
Type	United Nations conference
Date signed	11 May 1995
Location signed	New York City, United States
Signatories	Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Depositor	United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union governments
Language	English, French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese

1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference. Held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City from 17 April to 12 May 1995, this pivotal diplomatic gathering was mandated by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to decide the treaty's future. The conference culminated in the landmark decision to extend the NPT indefinitely, a move championed by nuclear-weapon states like the United States and the Russian Federation. It also adopted a package of decisions aimed at strengthening the review process and addressing regional security, most notably concerning the Middle East.

Background and context

The conference was convened twenty-five years after the NPT's entry into force, as stipulated by its Article X.2. The geopolitical landscape had been transformed by the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, which altered non-proliferation dynamics. Key preceding events included the Gulf War, which revealed the extent of Iraq's clandestine nuclear program under Saddam Hussein, and the completion of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I) between the United States and Russia. Many non-nuclear-weapon states, particularly from the Non-Aligned Movement, were dissatisfied with the perceived slow progress on nuclear disarmament by the five recognized nuclear powers: the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and the People's Republic of China.

Key issues and debates

The central debate revolved around the terms of the treaty's extension: indefinite, fixed-period, or rolling extensions. A coalition led by Canada, Australia, and many Western European states advocated strongly for an indefinite and unconditional extension. In contrast, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, such as Indonesia, Mexico, and Egypt, sought to leverage the decision to secure stronger disarmament commitments and concrete steps toward a Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Other contentious issues included the pace of nuclear disarmament, the implementation of IAEA safeguards under the new Model Additional Protocol, and security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states.

The indefinite extension decision

On 11 May 1995, without a vote, the conference adopted a package of decisions. The most critical was the decision on "Strengthening the review process for the Treaty" and "Principles and objectives for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament," which paved the way for the indefinite extension of the NPT. This outcome was achieved through intense diplomatic efforts by states like South Africa, whose post-apartheid government played a crucial bridging role. The decision was formally supported by a majority of states parties, including key Non-Aligned Movement members, and was seen as a major victory for the permanent nuclear powers and their allies.

The 1995 Resolution on the Middle East

A pivotal component of the package was the adoption of the "Resolution on the Middle East," sponsored by the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom. It called for the establishment of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East and specifically urged all states in the region, particularly Israel, to accede to the NPT and place their nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. This resolution was a critical concession to Arab states and Egypt, which had insisted on addressing Israel's non-membership in the treaty as a condition for supporting the indefinite extension.

Review of treaty implementation

The conference also conducted a detailed review of the treaty's operation since the 1990 review conference. Discussions highlighted successes, such as the accession of new states like France and the renunciation of nuclear weapons by South Africa following the dismantling of its program. Significant criticisms focused on the lack of progress by nuclear-weapon states on Article VI disarmament obligations and the need for universal adherence to the treaty, with states like India, Pakistan, and Israel remaining outside the NPT regime. The review underscored the necessity of achieving a Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and further START negotiations.

Aftermath and significance

The indefinite extension was hailed as a historic reinforcement of the global non-proliferation regime but created an enduring responsibility for nuclear disarmament. The linked "Principles and objectives" document established a benchmark for future NPT Review Conferences, including those in 2000 and 2010. The failure to realize the goals of the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East, however, became a persistent point of contention, notably derailing the 2015 NPT Review Conference. The conference solidified the NPT as a permanent cornerstone of international security, though it also entrenched divisions between nuclear "haves" and "have-nots" that continue to challenge the treaty's credibility.

Category:Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Category:1995 in international relations Category:United Nations conferences