Luxembourg Forum Experts Call For De-Escalation Of Tensions On The Korean Peninsula

MOSCOW – On April 20, 2017, in the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, the International Luxembourg Forum on Preventing Nuclear Catastrophe and theUS-based Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI)presented their joint book entitled “Preventing the Crisis of the Nuclear Arms Control and Catastrophic Terrorism.”

The book includes recommendations on the most pressing issues regarding non-proliferation, reduction and limitation of nuclear weapons, and nuclear terrorism. The book also presents a Joint Statement of the Luxembourg Forum and NTI, which was submitted to the U.S. and Russian Presidents in line with the decision taken by the conference.

During the presentation, the experts also shared their vision of such topical problems as bilateral relations and cooperation between the United States and Russia on a raft of international security issues (START and a prospective arms reduction treaty, ABM deployment, INF Treaty, combating nuclear terrorism, and plutonium disposition), Iran’s nuclear program, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons etc.

The presentation participants also focused on the aggravated situation on the Korean Peninsula based on anticipation that North Korea might be preparing for another nuclear test and on the statement made by the U.S. Vice President that "the era of strategic patience is over" with respect to the country, which coupled with the maneuver of the U.S. aircraft carrier strike group in the region may lead to unleashing a nuclear war with unpredictable consequences.

“Decisions of North Korea’s leadership are unpredictable; however, even it must understand that this demonstration may result in catastrophic consequences,” stated the Luxembourg Forum President. “The global community, for example the UN, must get involved and act resolutely as a mediator to de-escalate the tensions. Otherwise, the risk of armed conflict will increase.”

The book presentation was attended by renowned international experts, including Vladimir DVORKIN, Chairman of the International Luxembourg Forum Organizing Committee, RAS IMEMO Principal Researcher, former Director of the fourth Central Scientific-Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense; Alexey ARBATOV, Deputy Chairman of the International Luxembourg Forum Organizing Committee, Head of the RAS IMEMO Center for International Security, RAS Academician; Sergey OZNOBISHCHEV, Deputy Chairman of the International Luxembourg Forum Organizing Committee, Head of RAS IMEMO Sector, Director of the Institute for Strategic Assessments, Professor at Moscow State University of International Relations (MGIMO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia; former Chief of RAS Organizational Analytic Division.

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The International Luxembourg Forum on Preventing Nuclear Catastrophewas established pursuant to a decision of the International Conference on Preventing Nuclear Catastrophe, held in Luxembourg on May 24-25, 2007. The Forum’s Advisory Board includes 49 most authoritative and world-renowned experts from 14 countries.

The Forum is one of the most representative non-governmental organizations bringingtogether leading international experts in non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and arms reduction and limitation.The Forum is headed by its President, Dr. Viatcheslav Kantor. The principal guiding bodies of the Forum are Supervisory Board and the International Advisory Board.

The Forum’s priorities are to analyze threats imposed by nuclear arms proliferation and formulate practical proposals and recommendations on the ways to further reduce nuclear arms, strengthen nuclear and missile non-proliferation regime, prevent acquisition of nuclear weapons and technologies by unstable regimes and terrorist organizations, and resolve regional nuclear crises.

Website: http://www.luxembourgforum.org/en/