"We have indeed changed the world, but the threat to our future remains undiminished. Nuclear weapons have slipped (through) the cordons of the nuclear powers and into the arsenals of countries which bode ill for peace," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said.
In a speech delivered before the United Nations 2005 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Romulo said the urgent call is for nuclear weapon states "to commit themselves to irreversible cuts in their nuclear arsenals and to do so in a transparent manner."
Romulo stressed the "urgent imperative" of closing nuclear treaty loopholes to make it difficult for other countries to legally acquire bomb-making skills and equipment under the guise of civilian nuclear program.
Romulo directed his appeal to the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France – the five permanent UN Security Council members.
Romulo noted that other countries such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Iran, India and Pakistan have admitted to developing nuclear programs.
"In our changed world, a danger to one is a danger to all. No nation can remain unaffected by the events in any other country or another region," Romulo told the forum.
He said the Philippines would also be affected since one-tenth of its population is spread across the globe.
Romulo expressed hopes that nuclear countries will finally adopt a resolution drafted by the NPT 10 years ago to specifically address nuclear threats in the Middle East region.
Romulo said the NPT now stands at its most critical crossroads since it was enforced over three decades ago.
He particularly cited the global concerns raised by North Korea’s withdrawal from the NPT and its persistence in pursuing a nuclear program.
"All these developments and challenges contribute to the erosion of the effectiveness and credibility of the NPT that could change the destiny of mankind," he said.
Romulo noted plans to develop new nuclear weapons technology and a failure to enforce the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) had seriously eroded the historic foundations of the NPT.
Romulo pointed out that non-nuclear states should not acquire nuclear weapons as long as the five world powers are working towards nuclear disarmament.
Romulo said there are signs of hope that this could be achieved since several states have renounced efforts to acquire nuclear technology.
"The latest of these is Libya and we applaud Libya," Romulo said.
"We also acknowledge the critical role regional organizations and the active involvement of members of the global community played in bringing this about," he said.
Romulo said the momentum begun by Libya must be sustained. "States that have not yet concluded safeguard agreements must do so without any delay. Increasing the network of safeguard agreements is an important element in building trust and in removing any suspicion of a nuclear element in potential conflicts," he added.
Romulo said four nuclear weapon-free zones around the world are also holding the line.
Another positive development is the growing adherence to the NPT and the CTBT, he said.
"The Security Council’s resolution 1540 on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is also very encouraging," Romulo said.
"The adoption by the General Assembly last month of the text of the Nuclear Terrorism Treaty is another step in the right direction," he said.
Romulo noted that agreements on the issue must be matched by sustained efforts towards total disarmament, unless fundamental changes in perceptions of security occur with nations relying more on global cooperation and friendship.
Romulo appealed to North Korea to adhere to the NPT. He also expressed the Philippine government’s full support for the six-party talks and the call for North Koreans to return to the fold.
"We have come here seeking to prevent nuclear proliferation and promote disarmament. Global accountability is a must," Romulo said.
"But specific cases of proliferation must also be addressed at the regional level. Trust must be built, misunderstanding must be prevented and removed, and effective mechanisms put in place so that potential proliferators will find it more desirable to try peaceful dialogue rather than deadly bombs and the destruction of mankind," he said.