Any nuclear weapons testing anywhere in the world would be detrimental to the world’s peace and security and would be make the reduction of atomic bombs more difficult.
This is the message from Robert Floyd, executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), the organisation responsible for implementing the treaty (CTBT) to ban all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone, and for all time.
Floyd’s made his remarks following a call by United States of America’s President, Donald Trump, for that country to resume nuclear weapons testing.
“I am aware of recent public remarks that draw attention to ongoing concerns about nuclear weapons testing.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions. Its International Monitoring System (IMS) can and will detect any nuclear weapon test explosion anywhere on the planet and has successfully detected all six declared nuclear tests conducted this century.
Any explosive nuclear weapon test by any State would be harmful and destabilising for global non-proliferation efforts and for international peace and security. The CTBTO’s monitoring system stands ready to detect any such test and provide the data to CTBT States Signatories,” Floyd stated
He added that “Like others, I see in this complex and challenging moment an opportunity for world leaders to step forward and work together, on an equal basis, towards the ratification of the CTBT and the shared goal of a world free from nuclear weapons testing.”
Adherence to the CTBT is nearly universal, with 187 signatories and 178 ratifying States. To enter into force, the Treaty must be ratified by only nine more States.
The CTBTO established the IMS to ensure no nuclear test explosion goes undetected. Currently, 307 certified facilities, of a total of 337 when complete, are operating around the world, using four main technologies, namely seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide.
When President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was at the United Nations in New York about a month ago, she called for the responsible use of nuclear energy and urged for safeguards be implemented to ensure transparency and safety in the development of nuclear technology.
“Namibia calls for the accountable use of nuclear energy and ensures that comprehensive safeguards are in place to remove any limitations and restrictions on the use of nuclear material, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes,” she said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to nuclear disarmament, citing Hiroshima and Nagasaki as reminders of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons.
“While the final objective of the efforts of all states should continue to be the general and complete disarmament under effective international control, the immediate goal is the elimination of the danger of a nuclear war and implementation of measures to avoid an arms race and clear the path towards lasting peace,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.