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Clinton brings up CTBT ratification again

United States President Bill Clinton has renewed his appeal to the Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty as soon as possible.

He said this would strengthen the security of the US and the rest of the world.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the office of the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff on Monday, he called for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold hearings on the treaty after its August recess.

"If we don't ratify it, by its terms, the treaty can't enter into force. And countries all around the world will feel more pressure to develop and test weapons in ever more destructive varieties and sizes, threatening the security of everyone on earth,'' Clinton said.

The president said four former chairs of the joint chiefs had endorsed the ratification of the CTBT. It was originally proposed by former US president Dwight D Eisenhower and championed by his successor John F Kennedy.

Clinton, who signed the document three years ago, has been pressing for its ratification since India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in May 1998. He has argued that it is essential for the US to ratify it if New Delhi and Islamabad do so.

But Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms, a Republican, is against the treaty, insisting that it cannot be verified -- an argument that the Clinton administration has rejected.

Stressing the need for ratification, Clinton said, "We have already stopped testing. Our leading experts say we can maintain a safe and reliable nuclear deterrent without further tests and the remaining question is, will we join or lose a verifiable treaty that can prevent other countries from testing nuclear weapons?

"So, today once again, as we honour the joint chiefs, the individuals and the institutions, I ask the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold hearings on the treaty this fall, and the full Senate to vote for ratification as soon as possible. This will strengthen national security not only of the United States, but of people around the world. This will help the new chairs of the joint chiefs in the future not only to prepare for war, but to avoid it," he added.

UNI

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