NEWS RELEASES
CANADA WELCOMES BANGLADESH'S RATIFICATION OF THE CTBT
March 9, 2000 (3:20 p.m. EST) No. 40
CANADA WELCOMES BANGLADESH'S RATIFICATION OF THE
CTBT
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the ratification by
Bangladesh of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which prohibits any
nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion anywhere in the
world.
"Canada congratulates Bangladesh on its decision," said Minister Axworthy. "The
CTBT is a key element in the global drive towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We hope that Bangladesh's good example will be followed by key
states in the region, especially India and Pakistan, and by others among the group
of 44.
"Additional ratifications of the CTBT will also send a positive signal to the upcoming
Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in New York," the
Minister continued. "The NPT has just celebrated the 30th anniversary of its own
entry into force and forms the cornerstone of international efforts to reduce and
eventually eliminate nuclear weapons."
To come into force, the CTBT must be ratified by 44 named states. Bangladesh's
ratification is the 28th out of the 44. Canada signed the Treaty in September 1996
and ratified it in December 1998.
Other states among the group of 44 that have not yet ratified include Algeria, Chile,
China, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran,
Israel, Russia, Ukraine, the U.S. and Vietnam. Three states in the group -- India,
Pakistan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea -- have yet to even sign
the Treaty.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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