UNITED NATIONS ADOPTS HISTORIC NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY;

Greenpeace hails key "first step" on the road to disarmament.

NEW YORK, September 10th, 1996:

Greenpeace today hailed the overwhelming approval by the United Nations General Assembly of a "zero-yield" Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The international environmental group urged the five nuclear powers to sign the treaty as soon as it is opened for signature, and to commit themselves to pursuing complete nuclear disarmament.

"Twenty-five years ago this month, Greenpeace was launched to peacefully protest nuclear weapons testing," said Bruce Hall, Greenpeace Disarmament Campaigner. "We view this treaty as a milestone in the history of the nuclear age and an extraordinary way to mark our anniversary."

"We must now channel the overwhelming worldwide momentum toward the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty into efforts to eliminate all nuclear weapons," Hall added.

The treaty was adopted late this afternoon by a vote of 158-3, setting the stage for a signing ceremony expected to take place on September 24. However, the treaty can only take effect after the signature and ratification of 44 specific countries, including India, which so far refuses to sign. Hall said it is therefore essential that the United States and the other four nuclear powers ratify the treaty as soon as possible, and affirm their commitment never to test nuclear weapons again.

"By building swift momentum towards ratification, we hope India will soon feel confident enough about the chances for disarmament to sign on," Hall explained. "Ending nuclear testing is in everyone's best interest, including India's."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Deborah Rephan, Greenpeace Newswdesk (202) 319-2492 or

Bruce Hall, Nuclear Disarmament Campaign (201) 420-7117.