UNITED NATIONS — A major U.N. conference to review the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, considered the cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, is “likely to be postponed” because of the coronavirus pandemic, a U.N. official said Tuesday. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said that was the assessment from conference president-designate, Ambassador Gustavo Zlauvinen of Argentina, and key organizers of the conference that has been scheduled for April 27-May 22 at U.N. headquarters in New York. The organizers are continuing consultations with all governments “to allow the review conference to undertake its important work when conditions permit,” Haq said. “A decision is expected to be taken in the coming week, following further consultations with regional groups,” he said.

Source: International New York Times March 24, 2020 21:56 UTC