10 September 1996

Nuclear Test Ban Agreed

The world's nations today agreed to a treaty banning nuclear tests. The Treaty has been a goal of the international community for the last 40 years. A signing ceremony is expected to take place on 24 September in New York.

The Treaty was passed with the overwhelming support of the international community. The vote was 158-3, with 5 countries abstaining. Only India, Bhutan, and Libya voted against with Syria, Lebanon, Mauritius, Cuba, and Tanzania abstaining.

Dan Plesch, Director of BASIC, said, "The CTBT is a peoples' treaty, achieved only by the support of citizens all over the world. Today's vote in the General Assembly demonstrates the commitment of the international community to end nuclear testing forever and sets the stage for talks on eliminating nuclear arms."

The nuclear weapon states have bowed to significant international pressure, and their unwillingness to stop testing is demonstrated in the Treaty s provisions for taking effect. At the insistence of China, Russia, and the UK, the current formula requires India, Pakistan, and Israel, along with 41 other named countries, to ratify the Treaty before it enters into force. India has stated it will not sign or ratify the Treaty.

"By requiring India's ratification, states like the UK, China and Russia bring into question their own commitment to the test ban," said Nicola Butler, Analyst at BASIC.

"Even without entry into force, however, signature of the Treaty will be a substantive commitment never to test. Ratification by the nuclear weapon states is vital to demonstrate the sincerity of their support for this Treaty," said Stephen Young, Senior Analyst at BASIC.
.

Back to BASIC Publications home page

Back to CTBT home page