AFF/CTBT: SOLVENCY — CTBT RATIFICATION WILL IMPROVE THE FIGHT AGAINST NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION

THE USA CANNOT EFFECTIVELY FIGHT NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION UNLESS IT RATIFIES THE CTBT

K.P. Waran January 8, 2001 New Straits Times (Malaysia) SECTION: Opinion Diplomatic crossroads; Pg. 12 HEADLINE: Hoping the Americans ratify CTBT //VT2002acsln

Since the US has the largest nuclear arsenal, it is only natural that it should take the lead in helping to reduce nuclear proliferation. The implementation of the treaty, among others, allows on-site inspections which would empower and help international agencies monitor nuclear related activities all over the world. Daryl Kimball, director of the Coalition to Reduce Nuclear Dangers said recently: "By itself, the CTBT cannot stop proliferation, but the US cannot effectively fight the spread of nuclear weapons without it. "The new Senate and the new President owe it to the nation to work together in a bipartisan fashion to undertake a more thoughtful and balanced review of the CTBT."

THE CTBT IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO FIGHTING THE SPREAD OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

John M. Shalikashvili, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1993 to 1997, January 06, 2001, The Washington Post SECTION: EDITORIAL; Pg. A21 HEADLINE: The Test Ban Solution //VT2002acsln

The test ban treaty is no panacea for this problem, but I believe it can contribute to a comprehensive solution. Banning nuclear explosions places significant technical constraints on nuclear weapon development, especially of advanced designs that are more efficient and easier to deliver. The test ban treaty is also an integral part of the political bargain that the United States made in 1995 to gain permanent extension of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Stopping the spread of nuclear weapons requires a web of restraints. If one component is damaged, others will be weakened. Our credibility, our leadership in any nonproliferation effort, and the long-term viability of the non-proliferation treaty itself would be strengthened by our ratification of the test ban treaty, and weakened without it.

CTBT BOTH FIGHTS PROLIFERATION AND KEEPS ADEQUATE NUCLEAR DETERRENCE BY THE USA

John M. Shalikashvili, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1993 to 1997, January 06, 2001, The Washington Post SECTION: EDITORIAL; Pg. A21 HEADLINE: The Test Ban Solution //VT2002acsln

My intensive review of the test ban treaty strengthened my earlier judgment that this treaty is compatible with keeping a safe and reliable U.S. nuclear deterrent and is an essential part of an effective nonproliferation strategy. Recommendations I have made would help answer legitimate questions about the treaty's nonproliferation value, its verifiability, its impact on the U.S. nuclear deterrent and its indefinite duration. None of these recommendations requires renegotiating the treaty; all would improve our position under it. Most should have broad bipartisan support.