GP Calls Ch N-Test Slap in NPT's Face

[The.Greenbase@gb.greenpeace.org]

             GREENPEACE CALLS CHINESE NUCLEAR TEST

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                   GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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             GREENPEACE CALLS CHINESE NUCLEAR TEST
          A SLAP IN THE FACE OF RECENT NPT AGREEMENT

LONDON, 15 May, 1995 -- (GP) With the nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty (NPT) talks just completed on Sunday,
Greenpeace reacted strongly to news that the Chinese have
carried out a new nuclear weapons test today.

"Clearly the NPT has failed its first major test," said
Greenpeace's Stephanie Mills returning from the NPT meetings
in New York.  "The Chinese today demonstrated what indefinite
extension of the NPT really is -- an agreement with no teeth,
no legally-binding conditions and no real commitment toward
nuclear non-proliferation.  To test a nuclear weapon before
the ink is even dry on the NPT agreement is a slap in the face
of all
involved and must be condemned by NPT party nations."

The agreement to extend the NPT indefinitely included the
passage of a set of principles, including an agreement to
negotiate a comprehensive test ban treaty (CTBT) by 1996.  It
called on the nuclear nations to use "utmost restraint" until
a CTBT can be agreed.

"If other nuclear nations follow China's lead, the NPT will
not be worth the paper its written on," Mills said.  "Non-
nuclear nations must now hold the nuclear weapons states
accountable to the commitment they spouted at the NPT to
pursue disarmament and an end to testing."

Greenpeace called on NPT party nations to demand more than
indefinite extension at the month-long United Nations talks in
New York that closed Sunday.
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Contact:
Blair Palese, Greenpeace Communications: ++44171-833-0600