Statement by Saša Jurečko, Deputy Permanent Representative, at the UN General Assembly 78^th Plenary meeting on the use of the veto (UN Security Council resolution on arms race in outer space)

Thank you Mr. President,

Slovenia aligns itself with the EU statement, to which I wish to add some remarks in my national capacity.

Slovenia welcomes this opportunity to discuss the use of the veto in the Security Council on the basis of Resolution 76/262 on the so-called Veto initiative.

It is deeply concerning that, we find ourselves convening already the fifth time this year to discuss the use of veto, which blocked the adoption of a resolution that the overwhelming majority of the Security Council members consider as an important issue for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Slovenia supports the efforts aimed at curtailing the use of veto, as we believe that the right of veto is not a privilege. It is rather a power that carries with it the weight of responsibility, transparency and full accountability.

Furthermore, as a space-faring nation and a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Slovenia entered the negotiations on the resolution on weapons of mass destruction in outer space as tabled by Japan and the US in good faith, making difficult concessions to safeguard a space environment that is both safe and secure.

The text of the resolution underscored the pivotal role of the United Nations. It highlighted the significance of international space law, notably the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, as the cornerstone of the international legal framework governing outer space activities for the collective benefit of humanity. It embodied effective multilateralism, both on Earth and in outer space. For this reason, Slovenia decided to co-sponsor this resolution.

If adopted, the resolution would have conveyed a strong message on the prevention of an arms race in outer space, and on the importance to safeguard the long-term use of the space environment for peaceful purposes. It would lay the foundation for our efforts to maintain peace and security beyond Earth’s atmosphere by promoting peaceful exploration and utilization of outer space for the benefit of all humanity.

For these reasons we deeply regret the use of the veto, hindering our collective efforts to prevent the potential weaponization of outer space.

The peaceful use and exploration of outer space represents the height of humanity’s imagination and aspirations. Moreover, even our everyday lives are ever more dependent on the use of space-based technology – whether using satellites for navigation, forecasting weather, managing natural resources, mitigating climate change or keeping in touch with family and friends online.

Mr. President,

Throughout history, we have seen that the keystones to humanity’s greatest achievements were collaboration and cooperation. From constructing the most advanced telescopes to sending joint missions to the International Space Station, we have demonstrated that with this mindset there are almost no limits to what we can achieve for the benefit of all humanity. For us here today and for the future generations.

Slovenia will continue to oppose the deployment of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in outer space and will contribute constructively and positively in the efforts to ensure the peaceful use and exploration of outer space for the benefit of us all.

I thank you.

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