IN CONNECTION WITH THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE MOSCOW TREATY BANNING NUCLEAR TESTS IN THE ATMOSPHERE, OUTER SPACE AND UNDER WATER

Unofficial translation from Russian

PRESS RELEASE

On August 5, 2003 it is 40 years since the signing of the Treaty banning nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, outer space and under water, which is also known under the name of the Moscow Treaty.

The years that have elapsed since the signing of the agreement have fully vindicated its historic significance. The Treaty, the membership of which now includes over 130 states, was one of the first steps made by the international community to contain the race of nuclear arms. The Treaty prevented further radioactive pollution of the Earth.

The significance of the Moscow Treaty is that it opened the way for signing further major international agreements in the sphere of limitation and reduction of nuclear arms and their non-proliferation in the world.

It is this Treaty that created conditions for subsequent agreements to ban nuclear tests which culminated in 1996 in the signing of the Treaty on Comprehensive Ban of Nuclear Tests which also banned the underground nuclear explosions.

Being a consistent supporter of full ban on nuclear tests, Russia is actively working for an early entry of this Treaty into force and ensuring its universal character.

The Moscow Treaty, whose 40th anniversary we are marking, is a bright example of joint solution of the most difficult problems faced by the international community of nations.

August 5, 2003