WORLD
On anniversary of UN-backed treaty banning nuclear tests, Secretary General reiterates call to action
Baku, April 28, AZERTAC
Marking the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that instead of a celebration, the occasion is a call to action on the work that remains to be done to end nuclear testing and continue on an environmentally sustainable path, according to UN Radio.
Speaking at a panel discussion in Vienna, Mr. Ban commended the CTBTO for its two decades of service as a global leader on ending nuclear testing.
“The CTBTO has proven its value again and again,” the UN chief said. “This organization is at the forefront of detecting possible nuclear tests. It has carried out activities far beyond what anyone imagined.”
The CTBTO is mobilizing young leaders and veteran officials, Mr. Ban noted, with “sound science, a global reach and a noble mandate,” and the verification system is 90 per cent complete.
“During the Fukushima crisis and again with the recent test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the CTBTO proved its worth,” the Secretary-General said.
“There has been great progress. The norm against nuclear testing has only been broken by three States – and only one in this century,” he added.
Recalling that he served as Chairman of the CTBTO nearly 20 years ago, Mr. Ban said that he has been committed to ending nuclear tests since long before he became Secretary-General.