Nuclear-Weapon-Free Status of Mongolia

2020-2019

2020

On 10 March State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs D. Davaasuren met with Ambassadors of the EU and its member states at which the State Secretary indicated his intention to present a memorandum on international security and nuclear-weapon-free status at the 2020 NPT Review Conference. The EU Ambassadors presented their 2020 NPT Review Conference Agenda, and indicated a readiness to continue cooperation with Mongolia on disarmament and nonproliferation issues.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs postponed the fourth Conference of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia until 2021.

2019

On 1 May, Ambassador Sukhee Sukhbold issued a statement at the 2019 NPT Preparatory Committee citing Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status as evidence of its commitments to and history of advocation for the global nonproliferation and disarmament regimes. Ambassador Baasankhuu Purev reiterated these sentiments at the General Debate of the First Committee of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly on 14 October.

During his October 14 address, Ambassador Purev further expressed concern over rising global military expenditures and indicated Mongolia’s intention to accede to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in the near future.

2018-2017

2018

On 13 December, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 73/71, announcing Mongolia will coordinate the fourth Conference of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia at the UN Headquarters in New York on 24 April 2020.

2017

On 3 May, Ambassador Battungalag Gankhuurai, issued a statement at the 2017 NPT Preparatory Committee celebrating Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status.

On 7 July, Mongolia voted in favor of the draft Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Mongolia praised the treaty as a significant step forward towards the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons.

From 31 August to 1 September, Mongolia hosted the International Conference on Nuclear Disarmament Issues: Global and Regional Aspects, in Ulaanbaatar. The conference’s purpose was to brainstorm effective strategies to take forward nuclear non-proliferation.

On 25 September, Mongolia celebrated the 25th anniversary of its nuclear-weapon-free status.

On 4 October, the Mongolian ambassador to the UN, Mr. Sukhee Sukhbold, issued a statement at the General Debate of the First Committee of the 72nd UNGA session. Mongolia restated its desire for more nuclear-weapon-free zones, especially on the Korean Peninsula.

2016-2015

2016

On 10 October, H.E. Mr. Sukhee Sukhbold issued a statement at the General Debate of the First Committee at the 71st UNGA session. Supporting the total elimination of nuclear weapons, Mongolia called for the establishment of nuclear weapons free zones similar to its own.

On 14 October, the UNGA First Committee’s 71st Session adopted A/C.1/71/L.20, reasserting Mongolia’s status as a nuclear weapons free zone. The resolution was adopted without a vote.

On 17 October, H.E. Mr. Sukhee Sukhbold issued a statement at the 71st UNGA First Committee meeting regarding Mongolia’s nuclear weapons free status.

2015

On 25 February, Mongolia submitted a memorandum reaffirming its commitment in “consolida[ting] …its international security and nuclear-weapon-free status,” by continuing its cooperation efforts with State parties of other nuclear-weapon-free zones, working on its status to promote regional confidence and promoting the possible establishment of a NWFZ in north-east Asia.

On 28 April, Representative Och Od addressed the UN on behalf of Mongolia. He exalted the results of the NWFZs in the quest for disarmament. He recalled Mongolia’s own efforts to institutionalize their status as a “Nuclear Weapons Free Zone.” Additionally he urged the UN to take Mongolia’s efforts seriously and to consider using NWFZs as a method of disarmament, particularly in the Middle East due to the nascent Iranian Deal, and in the Korean Peninsula.

On 15-18 September, Mongolia hosted the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly Autumn meeting. On 17 September, Rob van Riet spoke on behalf of the World Future Council and praised Mongolia on its struggle for recognition as a NWFZ. Van Riet also spoke about establishing a NWFZ in Europe as a method of disarmament.

2014-2013

2014

On 13-14 February, Mongolian Representative Gozon Jargalsaikhan made a statement at the Second Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons in Nayarit, Mexico asserting the importance of humanitarian consequences in countries’ nuclear policy deliberations, reaffirming Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status, and declaring its commitment to encourage a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Northeast Asia.

On 28 April, Mongolian Representative Och Od gave a speech at the General Debate of the 3rd Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Review Conference of the State Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The statement expressed support for the nuclear disarmament regime and concern over “the lack of universality” in implementation of IAEA safeguards agreements, and outlined the progress of Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status. Mongolian delegates also met separately with officials from the five nuclear weapon states (NWS) to discuss a proposed resolution for the upcoming 68th General Assembly Session. The resolution would reiterate the agreement made by the NWS called the 2012 Joint Declaration on the nuclear weapon-free status of Mongolia.

2013

On 4-5 March, Norway hosted a conference in Oslo to analyze the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. Governments, international organizations, UN agencies, and civil society participated, but the five NPT-recognized nuclear weapon states boycotted the conference. &On 4 March, a representative from Mongolia gave a statement on Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status, affirming the contributions of nuclear-weapon-free zones to global and regional security, the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and nuclear disarmament.

On 21 March, the Non-Aligned Movement submitted a working paper on nuclear-weapon-free zones to the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The paper asserted that “further institutionalization of Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status would be an important step towards strengthening the non-proliferation regime in that region” and welcomed all efforts to establish such zones worldwide.

On 26 April, the Second Preparatory Meeting to the 2015 Third Conference of States Parties and Signatories that establish nuclear-weapon-free zones and Mongolia took place in Geneva in the Council Chamber of Palais des Nations, the meeting room of the Council of the League of Nations from 1936. The meeting discussed further activities and goals of nuclear-weapon-free nations. In his remarks, Mr. Jarmo Sareva, the director of the Geneva branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, called the meeting “an important milestone along the way to the Third Conference in 2015.”

On 26 September, the president of Mongolia gave a speech to the High-Level meetings in New York regarding Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status. He stated that the existing zones free of nuclear weapons need to be strengthened and measures should be taken to promote the establishment of new zones. Furthermore, the president hoped that Mongolia’s experience will inspire others.

On 8 October, the World Future Council announced their shortlisted selection of successful disarmament efforts. Mongolia was shortlisted as one of seven disarmament policies from five continents as final contenders for the 2013 Future Policy Award. Their topic is Law of Mongolia on its nuclear-weapon-free status.

On 11 October, the Ambassador of Mongolia to the United Nations made a statement to the UN General Assembly First Committee. The Mongolian government expressed its appreciation to the P5 states for their recognition of Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status. Mongolia also supported the complete elimination of weapons of mass destruction and hoped that the Conference on Disarmament will return to its substantial work. Furthermore, Mongolia joined the call to designate 26 September as an International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

On 23 October, the “Law of Mongolia on its nuclear-weapon-free status” won Honorable Mention in a competition among 24 policies called the 2013 Future Policy Award. The award was presented by the World Future Council, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

2012-2011

2012

On 27 April the First Preparatory meeting for the Third Conference of States Parties and Signatories that established nuclear-weapon-free zones and Mongolia was held in Vienna with J. Enkhsaikhan, the Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN office at Vienna. The preparatory meeting discussed future activities of the nuclear-weapon-free nations. This meeting also established that the Third Conference of the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia would take place in 2015 in Vienna. It was announced that Indonesia will chair the third NWFZM conference in 2015. Most importantly, the meeting’s results were submitted to the Preparatory Committee meeting (PrepCom) of the NPT in May 2012.

On 7 May, Ambassador J. Enkhsaikhan of Mongolia proposed to the P5 two draft declarations to strengthen Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free zone status. This new agreement of security assurances would allow the P5 to officially recognize Mongolia’s status as a non-nuclear state. The Ambassador averred that being recognized internationally as a non-nuclear weapon state status is Mongolia’s main priority. He stated that nuclear weapons will not be stored in Mongolia nor will Mongolia maintain nuclear weapons. Regarding status recognition, he urged the P5 to meet again with Mongolia, either together or through a single representative from one P5 state, to agree on the content and format of the assurance. He hoped that an agreement could be reached by the time the P5 meets in Washington in June, and that an appropriate assurance would be formalized at the opening of the UN General Assembly or, if the P5 needs more time, at the meeting of the First Committee.

On 17 September, the Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of the five NWS – the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France – and the Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations signed parallel political declarations regarding Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status. As a part of the declaration, the P5 reaffirmed the joint statement on security assurances they made in connection with Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status at the UNGA on 5 October 2000. In addition, the P5 also affirmed their intent to respect Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status and not to contribute to any act that would violate it. As a part of the parallel political declaration, Mongolia confirmed that it has and will continue to fully comply with its commitments as a non-nuclear-weapon state (NNWS) party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and pursuant to its own domestic law of 3 February 2000, has the domestic legal status of being nuclear weapon free.

2011

On 26 June the President of Mongolia Elbegdorj Tsakhia and U.S. President Barack Obama reaffirmed their comprehensive partnership. The two presidents stressed their shared intention to straightening trade, investment and people-to-people ties between the two countries, thus spurring economic growth and stronger friendship. The two sides emphasized their commitments to promoting democracy and freedom world wide and building more prosperous Asia-Pacific region. The United States congratulate Mongolia on its status as a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone and supported the Mongolia Nuclear Initiative. Mongolia expressed its support for President Obama’s vision of a “New International Framework” addressed during his visit to Prague.

2010-2009

2010

On 24-25 March, Mongolia and the IAEA held consultative meeting where they discussed the possibility of strengthening Mongolia’s nuclear-weapons-free status through international laws, the IAEA’s role in enforcing those laws, and ways Mongolia can improve its legal infrastructure in the areas of atomic and radiation safety.

On April 30, the Second Conference of States Parties and Signatories of Treaties that Establish Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia and Mongolia was held in New York. The conference adopted the Outcome Document which reiterated the final declaration of the 2005 Conference and welcomed the entry into force of the African and Central Asian NWFZs as well as the efforts of Mongolia to institutionalize its nuclear weapons free status. It further called on the nuclear-weapons states to sign all relevant protocols and withdraw existing reservations.

2009

On 12 January, the 63rd UNGA adopted Resolution 63/56 entitled “Mongolia’s international security and nuclear-weapon-free status.”

On 3-4 March, at the UN office in Geneva, Mongolia, Russia and China held their first meeting to discuss Mongolia’s draft trilateral treaty regarding its NWFZ status.

On 27 April, the coordinators of Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon free status met in Ulaanbaatar to discuss increased interaction between Mongolia and NWFZs, discuss plans for the second conference of NWFZ member states, and prepare for the 2010 NPT Review Conference.

In September 27, a second trilateral meeting took place in Geneva where Russia and China presented Mongolia with joint questions. However, negotiations of a draft treaty have not yet begun which would institutionalize its status.

2008-2005

2008

On 14 July, the UN Secretary-General issued a report stating that Mongolia has continued to seek international recognition for and the institutionalization of its NWF status through the conclusion of a legally binding instrument between Mongolia, Russia and China. The Secretary-General also stated in the report that he hopes the UN will further contribute to consolidating Mongolia’s NWF status.

2007

In September, Mongolia presented a draft trilateral treaty to China and Russia.

2006

On 6 December, the 61st UNGA adopted Resolution 61/87 entitled “Mongolia’s international security and nuclear-weapon-free status.”

2005

On 26-28 April, the Conference of States Parties and Signatories of Treaties that establish Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones was held in Tlatelolco, Mexico, of which Mongolia was a participant. The Conference affirmed the recognition and full support of Mongolia’s nuclear-weapons-free status.

2004-2001

2004

On 3 December, the 59th UNGA adopted Resolution 59/73 entitled “Mongolia’s international security and nuclear-weapon-free status.”

2002

On 30 September-1November, at the 57th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) First Committee, Mongolia expressed its support of consolidation of existing and establishment of new NWFZ. It welcomed an agreement reached among the five Central Asian States on the content of a treaty establishing a NWF zone in that region, stressing that the new treaty could make a significant contribution to strengthening nuclear nonproliferation.

On 22 November, the 57th UNGA adopted Resolution 57/67 entitled “Mongolia’s international security and nuclear-weapon-free status.”

2001

On 5-6 September, the UN Asia-Pacific Regional Centre organized a non-governmental expert group meeting on Mongolia’s NWF status in Sapporo, Japan. Experts from the five NWS and Mongolia examined the issue and came to agreed conclusions and recommendations. In line with those recommendations, Mongolia proposed to institutionalize its NWF status by concluding a multilateral agreement, to which China and Russia have in principle responded positively.

2000-1992

2000

On 28 February, Ambassador Jargalsaikhany Enkhsaikhan, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN, transmitted to the Secretary-General the text of the “Law of Mongolia on its nuclear-weapon-free status,” adopted by the Parliament of Mongolia on 3 February 2000 and entered into force that same day. The law prohibits an individual, legal person, or any foreign State on the territory of Mongolia from developing, manufacturing or otherwise acquiring, possessing, or having control over nuclear weapons; stationing or transporting nuclear weapons by any means; testing or using nuclear weapons; dumping or disposing nuclear weapons-grade radioactive material or nuclear waste, and transporting nuclear weapons, parts, or components thereof, as well as nuclear waste or any other nuclear material designed or produced for weapons purposes through the territory of Mongolia. The law does not prohibit the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Upon the adoption of the legislation, the State Hural (national parliament) issued a resolution that required the government to actively cooperate with and acquire assistance from the relevant States, and international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy (IAEA), in implementing the law.

In October, during the 55th UNGA session, the NWS submitted a joint statement entitled “Statement on security assurances in connection with Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status.” They reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate with Mongolia in implementing resolution 53/77 with respect to Mongolia’s NWF status.

On 20 November, the 55th UNGA adopted Resolution 55/33 S entitled “Mongolia’s international security and nuclear-weapon-free status.”

1998

On 4 December, the 53rd UNGA adopted, without a vote, Resolution 53/77 D, entitled “Mongolia’s international security and nuclear-weapon-free-status,” which stated the international community’s unanimous support for Mongolia’s efforts to strengthen regional stability and invited UN Member States to cooperate with Mongolia to ensure its international security and NWF status.. Each of the five NWS has also declared its support bilaterally.

1997

In April 1997, Mongolia tabled a working paper (A/CN.10/195) at the UN Disarmament Commission (UNDC) on the principles of establishment of a SS-NWFZ. This working paper enumerated six principles for establishing single‑State NWFZ: 1) total absence of nuclear weapons or parts thereof on the territory of the zonal State; 2) adoption of a legally binding document; 3) general agreement freely arrived at with neighboring and NWS; 4) absence of territorial or border disputes with neighboring States; 5) effective verification and control arrangements; and 6) recognition of the zone as such by the General Assembly. Bearing in mind specifics of the single‑State zone, the Mongolian delegation proposed that the guidelines for establishing SS-NWFZ be considered in parallel with guidelines for traditional zones, while the actual drafting of a SS-NWFZ could be undertaken separately.

The Mongolian delegation at the UNDC argued that the creation of single‑State zones could not be ruled out in the future, especially bearing in mind that more than one-third of the entire membership of the United Nations was not covered by existing or emerging zones. It was pointed out that compared with existing zones; the single‑State zone had its obvious advantages. The geographical scope of the zone was well‑developed. There was also no need for intra‑zonal negotiations or coordination. The Mongolian delegation expressed its belief that an essential requirement was for the zonal State not to have any territorial or border problems with its neighbors and that the zone required the support of immediate neighbors and of the NWS.

The NWS seemed reluctant to accept SS-NWFZs as a concept, since they believed that this might set a precedent for other States to declare themselves as SS-NWFZ with all the attendant international consequences. At the same time, the NWS recognized the legitimacy of Mongolia’s situation.

1993

On 20 January, the Russian Federation, through a bilateral friendship treaty concluded with Mongolia, pledged respect for Mongolia’s policy of non-deployment and a ban on transit through its territory of foreign troops as well as nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

On 22 October, China welcomed and supported Mongolia’s status as a NWF State. Also in the fall, the United States commended Mongolia’s continued adherence to the Non-Proliferation (NPT), as well as its decision to declare Mongolia a NWFZ, and said that NPT-related security assurances would apply to Mongolia. In November 1993 and in January 1994, respectively, the United Kingdom and France both expressed their support for Mongolia’s NWF status and reiterated their NPT-related security assurances.

1992

On 25 September, the Mongolian government declared itself a SS-NWFZ when Mongolian President Punsalmaagin Ochirbat announced before the 47th session of the UNGA that Mongolia’s territory would be a NWFZ and that it would work to have its status internationally recognized. Its NWF policy includes non-deployment and a ban on transit through its territory of foreign troops, as well as nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.