The establishment of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction
In 1995, during the review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States proposed an initiative on the Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.
Further progress was made in 2010 following the NPT Review conference, which called for a further conference on implementation to take place in 2012.
The Greens tabled a plenary resolution in Parliament when it became clear that several countries were seeking to prevent such a conference from being held in 2012. Our aim was to remind the EU Member States of their commitment to champion the organisation of an implementation conference in early 2013.
What was the Greens' position?
The Greens believe that the current stalemate is untenable, especially in view of the very tense present situation in the Middle East.
With persisting confusion over IranÂ’s nuclear programme and a highly complex civil war unfolding in Syria, it is surely irresponsible to hinder the dialogue on a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.
We called on the United Nations (UN) to make sure that the follow-up conference would indeed take place in early 2013.
We also urged the EU External Action Service (EEAS) to support the UN on this matter.
Did other MEPs accept the Greens' position?
After initiating the resolution, the Greens succeeded in securing majority backing for our objective to stage a conference in early 2013.
Parliament also called on the EEAS to support the UN in its preparations for a conference on a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.
Bearing in mind the fading political interest in this process, this was an important achievement.
Almost all parliamentary groups supported the resolution.
Which points did the Greens lose?
Generally speaking, the Greens were satisfied with the outcome of the vote in Parliament.
However, since the Finnish conference facilitator was unable to reach an agreement with Israel, the conference has not yet been held.
Procedure:Resolutions on topical subjects
Reference(s):2012/2890(RSP)
Lead MEP:Tarja Cronberg
Green MEP responsible:Tarja Cronberg
Voted:17.01.2013
Staff contact:Tobias Heider (Email)