By acceding to the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Kazakhstan has taken one further step in demonstrating its fidelity to international obligations.

Let it be our collective birthday present to the United Nations at the fiftieth anniversary to see to it that by then there is full compliance with the obligation concerning payment of contributions.

Our legacy to future generations would be a poor one if development and solidarity were not matched by compliance with international standards of human rights.

We want to be as constructive as possible, bearing in mind our commitment to the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter and our interests, concerns and priorities based on our adherence to the fundamental principles, purposes and goals of the Non Aligned Movement.

We understand clearly that now, at a time when our Republic is reaching out to the world community and is declaring its willingness to join it as an equal and respected member, it is of particular importance for us to affirm our compliance with internationally recognized standards of human rights.

Despite being limited to cameras with lenses under 160mm, we were not permitted to take photos of the demilitarized zone between the industrial complex and the border, or of North Korean soldiers or workers. Our cameras were checked when we left the country to verify compliance.