Thread by @james_acton32

Next at #nukecon: Amb @G_Zlauvinen, president of the tenth NPT Review Conference, in conversation with Amb @AmbKennedy_ret.

.@G_Zlauvinen: Russian behavior puzzling. We were expecting Ru delegation to be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov, but Ru didn’t submit visa application for him. Still, probably didn’t affect final outcome. #nukecon

.@G_Zlauvinen: Even in the absence of a final document, we proved the system worked. States engaged in actual negotiations over all aspects of NPT implementation. #nukecon

.@G_Zlauvinen: Widespread support for greater transparency/reporting by nuclear-weapon states on disarmament. For the first time, China did not oppose calls for enhanced transparency. #nukecon

.@G_Zlauvinen: Also widespread support for risk reduction—reducing the risk of a nuclear detonation. #nukecon

Is the review process defunct? @G_Zlauvinen; A large multilateral process is never perfect. Moreover, among P5 and among non-nuclear-weapon states, there are differences in opinion. Even so, there was progress, including in strengthening the review process. #nukecon

.@G_Zlauvinen: Nuclear-weapon states always come with excuses about why the time isn’t right for disarmament. But, even under current circumstances, they must do better or other states might reconsider their commitment to the NPT. #nukecon

@G_Zlauvinen: I decided against calling for a vote on final document—it’s unprecedented as final documents have always been adopted by consensus—but it could be done according to the rules. States should consider this. #nukecon

@G_Zlauvinen: If Russia had not objected to final document, it would have been adopted by consensus. I had assurances to that effect. #nukecon

.@G_Zlauvinen: disagreement on the Middle East WMDFZ was not between US and Arab states but among Arab states and another regional state party. 🤔 Ultimately, the key actors didn’t want to be blamed for blocking consensus on another final document. #nukecon

.@G_Zlauvinen: States should choose and elect the next president ASAP to give him/her time to prepare. President should continue with virtual consultations not based on traditional regional groupings. #nukecon