nuclear-news

Non nuclear powers strengthen push for big powers to disarm

Non-nuclear states lobby big powers to disarm faster By Fredrik Dahl VIENNA May 4, 2012  (Reuters) – Non-nuclear states are urging nuclear-armed nations to disarm faster, while nuclear powers say they are making “unprecedented progress” in doing so, a divide on display at this week’s meeting to discuss the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Under the pact, which most countries have acceded to, the five
recognized atomic bomb “haves” agreed to work towards eliminating
their bombs, and the “have-nots” pledged not to pursue them. A treaty
review conference is scheduled for 2015.

Critics say there has been more emphasis on meeting the
non-proliferation goal than getting the five major powers – the United
States, China, Russia, France and Britain – to fulfill their part of
the deal.

“There is a quite a large distance between what the nuclear weapons
states say and what the rest of us think,” said one diplomat from a
smaller European Union country.

Speaking on behalf of the seven-nation New Agenda Coalition, including
Brazil, Mexico, Ireland and Sweden, South African ambassador Abdul
Samad Minty told delegates: “Whereas the non-proliferation measures
have been strengthened over the years, the nuclear disarmament side of
the NPT bargain has yet to be realized.”

The seven states reject “any justification for the continued
retention” of nuclear weapons, Minty said……
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/04/us-nuclear-disarmament-divisions-idUSBRE8431CV20120504

May 5, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general