NPT Conference

The one-month-long Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Conference kicked off in the United Nations on 3 May। The purpose of this conference is to take steps for the implementation of the NPT. In this regard, the resolve has been displayed that the United States will put pressure on India and Pakistan, which are not presently signatory to this treaty, to sign the treaty.

Realism and Justice
The nuclear threats facing the entire world are no secret to anyone। If some mistake or accident led to the usage of these nukes, no one will be able to save the world from an endlessly perennial destruction.

Therefore, it is the duty of the international community that it should take steps to bring through the world from this serious menace। However, these steps should be based on realism and justice.

Objective of Conference
A few days ago, Nuclear Security Summit took place in the United States। The purpose of this conference was to purify the world of nuclear weapons. But, with the passage of time, the verity has been blossomed out that the global powers expend such conferences in order to persecute the developing countries.

The declarations of such conferences are for the most part unjust with the sole aim of harboring the objectives of the global powers। Now, take the issue of NPT; the global powers have ambidextrous policy in this regard.

Discriminatory Attitude
On one hand, a peaceful country like India is forced to sign NPT, and on the other, in spite of all kinds of irresponsibilities, Israel has never been brought under pressure, until today। In fact, the global peace confronts dire threats from Israel than any other country.

It will have to excogitate equitable policies, if the United Nations is willing to see this conference successful.

Malaysia Wants To Establish Good Diplomatic Ties With US

Prime Minister Najib Razak said in Tokyo recently that when the Malaysian Government wanted to establish good diplomatic ties with any country, it did not mean that Malaysia would kowtow or bow to the knee to surrender to that country। He said that in fact Malaysia did not kowtow to any country as Malaysia has its own policies and ideas.

Prime Minister Najib said this in Tokyo when he held meeting with Malaysian students studying in Japan। Najib said that before he visited Japan, has visited the United States. He stressed that when he was in the United States, he did not make Malaysia kowtowing to the United States as some people in Malaysia claimed and accused.

Bilateral Discussion
Prime Minister Najib was invited by US President Barack Obama to participate in the International Nuclear Security Summit। He also held bilateral talk with President Obama as sideline of the Nuclear Security Summit. While in the United States, Prime Minister Najib said he was pleased to meet with leaders in the US business and political circles as well as well known national leaders. Prime Minister Najib stressed that Malaysia was among the nine countries that President Obama has taken time to receive and engage in bilateral discussion. He said that to Malaysia, it was indeed an honor.

Prime Minister Najib stressed that such meeting with US national leader should not be construed and misinterpreted as Malaysia kowtowing to major power। Prime Minister Najib said Malaysia engaged bi-lateral talk with the United States because Malaysia has attained certain achievement and such achievement was respected by the United States.

Prime Minister said this in his speech at the gathering organized by the MARA Education Fund that managed to call upon more than 300 Malaysian students studying in Japan also some Malaysians who worked in Japan to listen to Najib's talk। When addressing the group, Prime Minister Najib said: "I think I did not kowtow to the United States."

Maintaining Hostile Attitude
Prime Minister Najib said perhaps he was different from other national leaders in the country। This was because he has chosen to have closer interaction with the United States.

He said: "To become intimate friend with them (the United States) or to become mutually respected friend is better than we criticizing them as what Malaysia has done in the past।"

In response to query that back in Malaysia he was negatively criticized by political rivals at the Hulu Selangor by-election campaign, Prime Minister Najib stressed that when he returned to Malaysia, he would point out to the fact that the criticism on him was baseless and not based on moral ethic. He said: "This is also the reason why I must work hard. I have gone to the United States, to Saudi Arabia and now I am in Japan. I want to rectify the wrong perception about me that has become widespread rumors."

Increasing Coldness in Israel-US Bilateral Relationship

A slight coldness has developed between Israel-US ties during Barack Obama's regime. Israel has much doubts and suspicions about the US designs, whereas Obama wants that Israel should not get unchecked, while exploiting the US dependence and that it should demonstrate more caution and moderation in its attitude.

The Israeli extremist government is quite worried having fears that the United States wants to impose a peace agreement with it under which the Palestinians can unilaterally announce their independent state, and that the United States can also make a progress toward announcement of ending tension from Syria as well.

Undefeatable Alliance
In the wake of these apprehensions, Israel is worried about to what extent these differences emerging between the United States and Israel, which would affect the construction projects for the Jewish settlement in Israel. However, there is a proclaimed resolve that an undefeatable alliance between the two countries exists.

The fear that the gulf emerged in the views of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Obama can take any shape has reduced Israel's trust on the United States.

Impact of Arab-Israel Tension
Netanyahu apprehends that Israel could be forced to give Palestinians two concessions, which Israel does not want to do. Moreover, in such a situation, the Palestinians will get strengthened. Obama is promising for the establishment of peace in the region, and for the first time, he has openly stated that Arab-Israel tension is causing damages to the US reconciliation.

Netanyahu explains it as the United States wants to forcefully impose a peace agreement on Israel. Seven Israeli ministers met for three times last week in order to find out a way to end coldness between Israel and the United States. However, no agreement could be reached in all three meetings under which the United States could be appeased by stopping construction of the Jewish settlements in eastern Baitul Maqdis (in Palestine was the first Qibla [direction, in which Muslims face when praying]).

Netanyahu also expressed his displeasure with the US Administration by not taking part in the Nuclear Security Summit held recently in Washington. US President Obama ferociously spoke against Iran and North Korea at the Nuclear Security Summit and said that new strict policies could be announced against Iran. Obama, however, did not name Israel in the summit, whose prime minister did not bother to participate at the summit.

Uranium Enriching Issue
Egypt and Turkey alleged Israel that it also has nuclear weapons urging the world states to deal with the Israeli weapons as well. The US President's reaction to this identification was quite bizarre. On one hand, Obama was saying that Israel should essentially join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (NPT), and on the other, the US President refused to make any comment on the Israeli nuclear program.

Obama avoided speaking on the Israeli nuclear program because it is the result of the US oversight. A process of useless investigation continues in the United States for a long time, which is based on making Israel a nuclear power through the US oversight. The investigation is being prolonged with the objective that at any stage it could be suspended for not reaching any conclusion.

The issue is that enriched uranium of the level of weapons development, got disappeared from a the US experimental site in Pennsylvania, and the United States has not yet clued to the same. The US concern to check the nuclear proliferation would depend on identifying where has the uranium gone.

A person namely Steve Levin was a member of the Israeli Army. He also took part in the 1948 Israeli war, and later on, he became head of the Israeli spy agency. He was also a close friend of first Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. The same person was the builder of Israel's nuclear program. In 1940s, Ben-Gurion as the head of a Jewish agency made a weapons purchase program, stealing and smuggling in the United States through a big network, and also their shifting to Israel. In this connection, the purchase of small weapons, heavy machine guns, arms-manufacturing material, planes, ships, and tanks was made from the United States discarded material places, and they were shifted to Palestine.

On nuclear front, Levin purchased Apollo Steel Company Pennsylvania at a cost of $450,000. Intelligent inventor Dr Zalman Shapiro was the founder and president of the Apollo Steel Company. This company also included a corporation of nuclear material. By September 1968, 587 pounds highly enriched uranium was declared missing through this organization. It was learned as a result to the 1968 investigation that this enriched uranium has been shifted to Israel, and it has also been used in weapons development there. Despite this disclosure, the United States did not take any action.

Kennedy was the last US President who was very cautious about proliferation of nuclear material, and was also serious regarding the US embargos on Israel. Later, Israel had freedom to steal enriched uranium from the United States, take it to Israel, and use it in making nuclear weapons. Despite knowing all about it, the United States did not take any action.

Israel's Growing Arrogance
Now, Obama desires to find John Kennedy's footprints and tread on them, but it has not remained easy for him to do. Israel has intruded into the very thinking of the United States through the Jewish lobby to the extent that it has become very difficult for the United States to take any action against Israel.

Israel's arrogance has increased to the level that it has become able to even eyeing the United States. US President Obama convened an international summit in Washington to devise a strategy to check proliferation of nuclear weapons. Israel did not give importance to attending this summit, and Netanyahu himself did not take part in it, although the heads of big nuclear powers took part at the summit. Netanyahu did not participate at the summit, so that it could not have to disclose the secrets of its nuclear power before the world opinion, and that it could also not have to make any final promise regarding the nuclear weapons. He also does not want to sign the NPT on the US request.

The coldness in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel is increasing. However, these relations have not yet reached open tension. Nevertheless, Israel does not care much about the United States.

Indonesia Supports Nuclear-Free Zone in Middle East

Indonesia recently took part in two conferences on nuclear weapons in two countries that are in heated opposition -- the first, a nuclear summit in Washington, DC, and the second a nuclear conference held two days later in Tehran, Iran. Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teuku Faizahsyah discussed Indonesia's role in both conferences in an interview.

Question: Indonesia was recently involved in conferences on nuclear weapons in Washington and Teheran. What was the motivation behind these two conferences?

Answer: The Nuclear Security Summit in Washington focused more on how to prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of irresponsible people and thus endangering international security. So, it focused more on safeguarding nuclear materials. The conference that took place in Tehran focused on attempts to do away with weapons of mass destruction.

Judging from a number of statements that came out of the two conferences, we get the impression of a dispute. On the one hand, the US accuses Iran, and even threatens Iran with nuclear weapons; on the other hand, Iran calls the US a "nuclear criminal."

Question: What actually happened?

Answer: I think that we should not look at it from the perspective of competition or a dispute, but see the two forums as discussing issues of importance to Indonesia: the security of nuclear weapons, and how to create a world that is safe and without nuclear weapons. That is the essence of Indonesia's participation in the two forums. So whoever hosts a forum to discuss ways to create a world that is safe through nuclear disarmament and disarmament of other weapons of mass destruction will certainly attract Indonesia's interest.

Question: What about the several countries that have still not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and still don't want to make public their nuclear arsenals, such as Israel, for instance?

Answer: Our stance is clear, that we ask for compliance with the regime for nuclear weapons disarmament that is included in the NPT, so that Israel's nuclear technology can be evaluated by international bodies, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Thereby security and the whereabouts of materials can be determined. One thing we are pushing for is a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East.

Question: Relating to nuclear weapons in the Middle East, recently a number of Western countries have been competing with each other to sell nuclear technology for energy purposes to a number of Arab countries. Is there concern in the world that this could later lead to the development of nuclear weapons?

Answer: I don't know the technical details, but Indonesia is paying very close attention to the development of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. We see nuclear technology in the framework of three pillars; we reject its spread, support its development for peaceful purposes, and seek nuclear weapons disarmament. Of these three pillars, we still don't know if in the future we will be forced to use nuclear technology for energy purposes or not. That underscores the importance of the role of the IAEA as an international body that can carry out regular checks and assessments, and can evaluate the nuclear energy programs of countries that possess nuclear technology.

Question: Related to the dispute on nuclear issues that led to the trading of threats and counter-threats between Teheran and Washington at the two conferences, what is Indonesia's position?

Answer: Our position is quite well understood by Iran: as long as their development of nuclear energy is for peaceful purposes, we are supportive. But, if they use nuclear materials to develop nuclear weapons, we would be among the first to express our objections. And there is no problem with our expressing that objection to a friendly country.

Question: Has Indonesia's support of Iran's program to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes affected its relations with the US?

Answer: No, in the sense that the US understands our position well and knows how concerned we would be if the use of nuclear energy were to be diverted to developing weapons. And, for example, if Iran develops its nuclear capacities for peaceful purposes, we support them, and if they do not, then certainly Iran, also, would understand Indonesia's objections.

Question: Do you consider appropriate the posture of the US threatening to use its nuclear arsenal to attack Iran?

Answer: We do not comment on the attitude of one government towards another government, for this could cause problems. It could be seen as not conducive. We note that the US's position has changed considerably in its nuclear policies. The United States sees that the world should be free from all nuclear weapons, including what has already been agreed to in the reduction of nuclear weapons. This is a process. So, if there is collective motivation to create a nuclear weapons-free world, we will support it and value it. In other contexts, of course, we hope other countries will take similar steps so that the risks of mass destruction can be avoided by us all.

Teheran International Nuclear Disarmament Conference

Iran organized the first International Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in Teheran on 18 April in response to the Nuclear Security Summit, held recently in Washington, DC. The members and officials from 60 world countries were in attendance. At the conference, supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the use of nuclear weapons as 'haram' (illegal) and said that the United States is the 'only country' that has made the 'ultimate nuclear offense' for its atomic attack on Japan.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave a 25-minute opening address at the conference. In his speech, he said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'failed to exercise its duties' for ensuring disarmament, but said that Iran is willing to engage in 'constructive cooperation in managing global disarmament and formulating new rules.' He also called for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to be reviewed by impartial 'independent states that have no nuclear weapons,' adding that the "presence of those who have nuclear weapons, especially the US Government, is an obstacle to a fair agreement.

Proposed 15-Point Charter for Reforming NPT
Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran condemned double standards and discrimination by nuclear powers against NPT member states, and proposed a 15-point charter for reforming the NPT and enhancing the disarmament regime. He went on to outline 15 proposals for establishing trust and promoting nuclear disarmament, as follows:

1. He slammed what he called the exploitative and Machiavellian approach of some countries. He urged a more coherent approach to disarmament.

2. He called for security-military cooperation at an international level and the acceptance of joint responsibilities.

3. He called for destruction of all nuclear weapons.

4. He called for all nuclear countries to remove nuclear weapons from their defense doctrine.

5. He called for the removal of nuclear weapons from countries that are normally nonnuclear powers but whose territory is used to station atomic weapons.

6. He called for agreements by all nations and governments to commit to nonproliferation.

7. He called for a conference to revise the NPT, and urged that the Geneva Conference on disarmament be charged with issuing a binding convention to implement a strong and clear verification regime.

8. He echoed Jalili's remarks made earlier for a deadline imposed on all nuclear powers to eradicate all their nuclear weapons.

9. He called for all-round efforts by NPT members to create a climate for creating a binding accord for disarmament.

10. He called for all nations to be guaranteed the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

11. He called for an all-round increase in possibilities for nuclear technology exchange and transfer between NPT members.

12. He called for a change in the mechanism of budget-setting within the IAEA, allowing all member-states a fair share of this budget.

13. He called for pressure to be increased on those powers which are outside the NPT to join it and become committed to it, singling out the 'Zionist regime' as a case in point.

14. He called for a change in the double-standards approach under the current regime, in which non-NPT members 'such as Israel' are rewarded, while 'committed' members such as the Islamic Republic are punished.

15. He called for regional and international cooperation and for pressure to be exerted on Israel to join the NPT.

US Must Shift Policy on Pakistan for Peace in South Asia

Great significance is being attached, at the international level, to the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama in Washington. The two countries have resolved to fortify bilateral relations. Obama said that the United States would try its utmost to end tension between the countries so that they should work in tandem with each other to meet the challenge of nuclear weapons facing the world.

Obama called for a world summit in Washington with the aim to prevent terrorists from threatening the world in any way through their access to nuclear weapons. Earlier, he termed nuclear terror as the biggest single threat to the world community. Addressing from the White House, he warned that absolutely horrifying consequences would emerge if any such nuclear weapons explodes in any country of the world.

Positive Outcome Expected
The Indian prime minister and the Indian delegation are optimistic about some positive outcome. He urged Obama to ensure that appropriate action is taken by Pakistan against the conspirators of the Mumbai terrorist attack. Obama then asked Pakistan to rein in the terrorist organization, the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba. A few hours after his meeting with Singh, the US president held a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and asked Pakistan in no uncertain terms to take stern action against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack.

Now, what Pakistan actually does cannot be said. For the time being Pakistan has assured the United States that it will take action against the accused. Hence, positive outcome is likely to emerge as a consequence of the Nuclear Security Summit, provided Pakistan does not bow before the Taliban pressure.

Regarding nuclear security, Obama expressed the hope that the Indian Parliament would adopt the controversial nuclear bill shortly. Earlier the bill could not be tabled in Parliament. It can, therefore, be commented that India will go ahead with its endeavors at the international level so that nuclear weapons do not find their way to terrorists' hands in any way.

Elimination of Terrorism
It is pertinent to recall that during the Second World War, the United States dropped nuclear bombs on two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leaving millions of people dead instantly and millions of others were afflicted with fatal diseases. Now, the future of South Asia would depend on how the menace of terrorism is eliminated completely.

Singh took strong exception to the supply of military equipment and war weapons to Pakistan. In response to his protest, Obama said that the United States was fully aware of Indian apprehensions, and Indian concerns will be kept in view appropriately. Obama has favored the need to lessen the tension between India and Pakistan and the United States also will strive to play it out in this connection. He endorsed the Indian demand for extradition of Lashkar-e-Taiyiba operative David Headley to India for interrogation.

The Indian prime minister said in no uncertain terms that infiltration from Pakistani side was being stepped up constantly, which was a challenge to India. The actual truth is that the United States needs to bring about a shift in its policy on Pakistan, failing which it would be difficult to maintain peace in this region.

Russia-US Sign Protocol on Destroying Weapons-Grade Plutonium

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have signed a protocol on amending a Russian-US agreement on the destruction of weapons-grade plutonium. The signing ceremony was part of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington.

Major Provision
Under the protocol, the United States will allocate up to $400 million as a contribution to a Russian program in which the Russian Government plans to allot $2.5 billion, a joint Russian-US statement released after the protocol was signed said.

Improving Nuclear Security
The protocol opens the path for Russia and the United States to start the practical implementation of the agreement on destroying 34 tons of excessive weapons-grade plutonium each. The protocol and the agreement are an important contribution that Russia and the United States are making to improve nuclear security in the world.

China-Ukraine Bilateral Ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych met in Washington on 12 April to discuss the further development of bilateral ties. This was the first meeting between Hu and Yanukovych after the Ukrainian president took office in February. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit slated for 12 April and 13 April. The summit is mainly aimed at preventing acts of nuclear terrorism. Leaders or their representatives from 47 countries, including the United States, would participate in the summit.

Building Friendship
The Chinese president said he is delighted to meet in Washington with Yanukovych, who has always attached great importance to building friendship with China. He spoke highly of the contributions made by Yanukovych in boosting the relations between China and Ukraine.

The Chinese president also expressed his willingness to exchange views with the Ukrainian leader on the development of bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

Enhancing Political Mutual Trust
Yanukovych appreciated Hu's support to him, saying his relationship with President Hu has been effectively kept ever since 2004. He said that Ukraine now had entered a brand new era for development, and so do the Ukraine-China relations.

China and Ukraine have enhanced political mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation in recent years. President Hu sent a special envoy to Ukraine when Yanukovych was sworn in.

Jintao-Obama Meeting: Cementing Comprehensive Ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President Barack Obama met in Washington on 12 April to exchange views on China-US relations and other important world and regional issues of common concern. This is the first meeting between Hu and Obama since the US president paid a state visit to China November 2009. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the April 12-13 Nuclear Security Summit, which mainly discusses prevention of acts of nuclear terrorism. Since the Obama administration took office, the China-US relations have witnessed positive development thanks to joint efforts of both sides.

Witnessing Positive Development
During their first meeting in London last April, President Hu and President Obama agreed to work together to build a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship in the 21st century.

In November 2009, Obama paid a state visit to China, during which Hu and Obama held in-depth, productive and candid discussions on the US-China relations and other issues of mutual interest. The two sides reached agreement on advancing the US-China relations in the new era.

New Direction for Development
However, not long ago, the China-US relations suffered undue disruption, which is in the interest of neither side. In a phone conversation with Obama on April 2, President Hu said that since President Obama took office, with joint efforts from both sides, the China-US relations have demonstrated a sound momentum for development, and the two nations have reached consensus on promoting a positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-US relationship in the 21st century and set a new direction for the development of the China-US ties.

China has always viewed ties with the United States from a strategic and long-term perspective and is willing to work with the United States to further implement the consensus reached by the two sides, adhere to the principles of the three Sino-US joint communiques and the Sino-US joint statement, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns.

China is also ready to cooperate with the US side to properly address differences and sensitive issues between the two nations, strengthen dialogue and cooperation in all areas and make unremitting efforts to develop the positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-US ties.

Strategic and Long-Term Interests
The Chinese president said that properly handling the Taiwan and Tibet issues, which concern China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and represent China's core interests, is key to ensuring a sound and stable development of the China-US ties.

Obama said that the positive, cooperative and comprehensive relations between the United States and China are very important for both countries and the world.

Healthy and stable relations between the Untied States and China serve the strategic and long-term interests of both countries, he noted. President Obama reaffirmed the US adherence to the one-China policy, which it recognizes as one of China's core interests.