Originally published on the CGS blog on September 24, 2009.
Today at a UN conference a declaration was adopted to promote entry into force of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This treaty prohibits the testing of nuclear weapons, which helps to limit the negative impacts that nuclear weapons have on the environment. It also slows the production of new nuclear weapons. The declaration that was adopted today, by a large majority, urges nations to sign and ratify this treaty as soon as possible:
“The overwhelming support for the Treaty and its early entry into force has been expressed by the United Nations General Assembly and other multilateral and regional organs and initiatives, which have called for signature and ratification of the Treaty as soon as possible, and have urged all States to remain seized of the issue at the highest political level. We affirmed the importance and urgency of signatures and ratifications without delay to achieve early entry into force of the Treaty”
Hillary Clinton’s remarks at the conference support the CTBT and emphasizes President Obama’s goal of a world without nuclear weapons. Furthermore, she asserts that the administration will work to get the CTBT ratified through the Senate.
