Possibility of nuclear war increased, concern by a senior UN official -

United Nations: In a world defined by “competition over cooperation, and the acquisition of arms, prioritized over the pursuit of diplomacy”, the threat of a nuclear weapon being used is “higher than it has been in generations,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, special representative of the United Nations, expressing his concern.

Nakamitsu, special representative for ‘Disarmament Affairs’, a department associated with the United Nations, while talking about the current international events, claimed that the influence of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is reducing. Nakamitsu said, today, every country is giving preference to arms purchase over resolving the problem amicably, and at the international level, competition has taken precedence over cooperation. The UN special representative pointed out that this is igniting an arms race and every country is leaning towards nuclear preparedness.

Nakamitsu underlined a grave concern. ‘The agreements and setups created, for controlling the manufacture of nuclear weapons, during the cold war, are being dismantled. There are no alternative agreements with the United Nations, to replace the old ones. It has increased the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons. This use could be done purposely, accidentally or through misunderstandings.’ Nakamitsu expressed fear saying, “If there is a nuclear attack in any of the regional conflicts; as a result, a nuclear war will be sparked at the international level, and the whole world will be signed, in the holocaust that will follow.”

Although Nakamitsu predicted a possibility of use of nuclear weapons and war, she avoided naming any countries. However, Yukiya Amano, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), affiliated to the United Nations, warned that the violation of the NPT is a cause for serious concern. At the same time, Amano informed that close monitoring of the Iranian and North Korean nuclear programs is the primary objective of the IAEA.

Meanwhile, Iran claims to abide by the nuclear deal signed, four years ago, with the western countries. However, the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia have accused that Iran receives huge funding, under the disguise of the nuclear deal and pushing its controversial nuclear program ahead. Saudi Arabia too has initiated moves to acquire nuclear capabilities. The talks between the United States and North Korea have failed, and therefore, the threat of nuclear war still prevails, in the Korean region. Against this background, the warning issued by Nakamitsu does not remain only a dreadful possibility but has become a horrible challenge before the world.