Entry Into Force Conference

CTBT ENTRY INTO FORCE CONFERENCE

11-13 November 2001

The Conference on the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) took place at the United Nations in New York 11-13 November 2001. 118 countries from around the world took part in the meeting, which sought to reaffirm international support for a global ban on nuclear weapons testing on earth, underground, and in the atmosphere.

Progress was made in gathering wider support for the test ban. While Libya indicated that they are prepared to accede to the CTBT, several other countries (Algeria, Indonesia, Colombia and Viet Nam) expressed willingness to ratify it soon.

The United States, a nuclear weapon state which has signed but not ratified the treaty, did not attend the conference.

Concerned that the CTBT has not yet entered into force after its opening for signature five years ago, the Final Declaration from countries participating in the conference stresses the importance of obtaining the necessary ratifications (especially from the 13 "hold-out" states) in an effort to implement the treaty speedily. However, states also urged non-ratifiers China and the United States to refrain from nuclear testing until they fully accede to the Treaty.

The CTBTO will continue with the Preparatory Committee meetings in order to lay the groundwork for the implementation of the Treaty when the necessary ratifiers have acceded.

As of November 2001, 164 states are parties to the CTBT, and 88 have ratified.

BASIC PUBLICATIONS

U.S. Boycott Dampens Hopes
BASIC Note on CTBT Conference, 12 November 2001

U.S. Nuclear Agenda Provokes European Unease
BASIC Press Release, 9 November 2001

CONFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Country Statements