Statement by Ambassador Affonso
Celso de Ouro-Preto, Chairman
of the CTBTO PrepCom
(Pakistani tests)

The Chairman of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), after holding extensive consultations with representatives of States Signatories of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), expresses deep concern and regret at the recent nuclear tests carried out by Pakistan. Nuclear tests such as those recently carried out by India and then by Pakistan are contrary to the goal of global non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and nuclear disarmament widely endorsed by the world community. The Chairman, also following consultations, expresses concern that recent nuclear testing would contribute to a nuclear arms race in South Asia. He therefore makes an appeal to all parties concerned in the region for restraint. He calls on all non-Signatory States to join without delay the CTBT, which can only be signed without conditions. He also calls upon all States which have not done so, to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The Chairman reiterates that the CTBT has been signed by 149 States and ratified by 13, including two nuclear-weapon States, which shows the strong commitment of the international community to rid the world of any kind of nuclear explosive testing.

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