Russian diplomat says disarmament, non-proliferation processes may get impetus if US ratifies CTBT

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. If the United States and other key countries ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), it could give impetus to the disarmament and non-proliferation processes, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Lassina Zerbo said in a joint article. "The United States should review its stance on the CTBT, members of the US Congress need to discuss the opportunities that this treaty provides, as well as its importance for national and global security," Ryabkov and Zerbo said in the article published on the website of Russia’s Kommersant daily. "Without a doubt, all countries, including the US and those key countries who have not yet jointed the treaty, could benefit from the nuclear test ban stipulated by the CTBT. However, until they ratify the document, possibilities remain that nuclear tests will be resumed, while the treaty’s long-term legal and practical foundations, as well as the international non-proliferation regime, will not be fully effective," the article reads. Besides, according to Ryabkov and Zerbo, as the 2020 NPT Review Conference approaches, "many countries feel increasing disappointment if the US and other key countries do not take specific steps to review their position" "If the United States and other key countries ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, it could help fill gaps in the disarmament sphere as well as give impetus and momentum to the disarmament and non-proliferation processes. It could also strengthen the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)," the article adds. Read more