(August 19, 1994) As you all are aware of next april is in New York the extension conference on the Non Proliferation Treaty.
(415/6.4124) CND London - In the WISE NC we want to start an series of opinions of NGO organizations on the future of the NPT. In this issue the opinion of the CND. If you have a different opinion or if you plan activities, we would like to hear from you. (WISE-Amsterdam)
What is the best way to ensure that disarmament and non-proliferation are guaranteed, giving the next generation the hope of a nuclear-free future? The British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament disagrees that it is by giving the Non-Proliferation Treaty an indefinite extension, which is what the nuclear weapon states are demanding. Indefinite extension is a contradiction in terms since Article VI of the NPT commits signatories to negotiate a Treaty on general and complete disarmament which would supercede the NPT.
The current flurry of disarmament activity is only happening because the effectiveness of the Treaty will be analyzed in April '95 and the 157 non-nuclear NPT signatories are demanding evidence that the 5 nuclear states are doing some disarming.
In order to keep the pressure on, CND is promoting the idea of a 10-year NPT extension. During this period a global Treaty to ban all nuclear weapons should be negotiated and signed. This would enable the nuclear weapons states to fulfill Article VI while introducing a non-discriminatory regime in which all nations (including Israel, India and Pakistan) could take part.
To promote this agenda, CND has produced a Blueprint for a Nuclear Weapon-Free World which contains 12 key steps that should be taken to strengthen the international non-prolif-eration regime.
A Charter has been derived from the Blueprint. This is for non-governmental organizations and local government to endorse. A petition for people on the street to sign demands a 10-year extension and global treaty, and will be presented to the Chair of the negotiations in New York in April 1995.
Take Action on the NPT on October 29 1994!
CND's first major public event to promote our NPT agenda will be held on October 29 in Trafalgar Square, London. We welcome support from development/environment/peace/religious etc. groups in this country with the event, and also thought that it would be great if anti-nuclear movements in other countries could hold events to promote a similar agenda and highlight the importance of April 1995. Please contact Ilana Cravitz if your organization will be holding an action of some kind. CND would also be interested in hearing what people think of our 10-year extension with global treaty idea. Perhaps we can get some serious political debate going and interest the international media in the NPT!
Source & Contact: CND; Ilana Cravitz.
E-mail: cnd@gnet.apc.org Tel: +44 71 700 2350 or Fax: +44 71 700 2357