This article appears in the January 7, 2022 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

[Print version of this article]

Jan. 3—The release of the “Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States on Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races” by the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council (the P5) marks a potential dramatic turning point in history, which could end the current dangerous drive to war addressed in the Schiller Institute Dec. 30 Memorandum, “Are We Sleepwalking Into Thermonuclear War?” On Jan. 4, 2020, Helga Zepp-LaRouche called for a Summit meeting of Russia, China, India, and the United States, to address the intensifying danger of global war. Then, on Jan. 15, 2020, President Vladimir Putin called for a P5 Summit; Zepp-LaRouche endorsed that call. Although the United States stalled on making any decision, today’s P5 statement, the first time this group has asserted that there must never be a nuclear war, could not be more timely nor more urgent. Whether or not the agreement is a step towards ending the drive to war will be determined by the outcome of the talks beginning Jan. 9 regarding Russia’s demand to be given legal assurances of its security. The full P5 statement follows below.

Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States on Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races

The People’s Republic of China, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America consider the avoidance of war between Nuclear-Weapon States and the reduction of strategic risks as our foremost responsibilities.

We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. As nuclear use would have far-reaching consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons—for as long as they continue to exist—should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war. We believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented.

We reaffirm the importance of addressing nuclear threats and emphasize the importance of preserving and complying with our bilateral and multilateral non-proliferation, disarmament, and arms control agreements and commitments. We remain committed to our Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obligations, including our Article VI obligation “to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.”

We each intend to maintain and further strengthen our national measures to prevent unauthorized or unintended use of nuclear weapons. We reiterate the validity of our previous statements on de-targeting, reaffirming that none of our nuclear weapons are targeted at each other or at any other State.

We underline our desire to work with all states to create a security environment more conducive to progress on disarmament with the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all. We intend to continue seeking bilateral and multilateral diplomatic approaches to avoid military confrontations, strengthen stability and predictability, increase mutual understanding and confidence, and prevent an arms race that would benefit none and endanger all. We are resolved to pursue constructive dialogue with mutual respect and acknowledgment of each other’s security interests and concerns.