Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the joint statement by the United Kingdom and France on the 25th anniversary of their ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

On April 6, the United Kingdom and France published a joint statement on the 25th anniversary of their ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Along with standard statements about their impeccable observance of the treaty, they expressed completely unfounded grievances toward our country.

In this context, it is important to note that having ratified this treaty in 2000, Russia has strictly observed its provisions and the 1992 voluntary moratorium on nuclear tests. Our country has not given any reason for concern about its commitment to the treaty.

The treaty still has not entered into force because eight countries whose ratification is necessary have not yet acceded to it. The United States is primarily responsible for this because many of these eight states are guided by its position. Characteristically, London and Paris have either forgotten or been afraid to mention Washington’s far from impeccable record on the nuclear test ban. In addition to its refusal to ratify the treaty, it is necessary to mention the US decision to enhance the readiness of its nuclear test site, the Nevada Test Site. However, the United Kingdom and France prefer to ignore the conduct of their suzerain. It seems that both the US and its NATO allies stand to gain from the fact that the treaty has not entered into force for more than 25 years since it opened for signing.

We continue to carefully monitor this situation. We will do all we can to universalise the treaty and turn it into a valid international legal document as soon as possible.