http://www.ctbto.org/press_centre/featured_articles/2007/2007_2009_afc.htm


CTBT moves world closer to being free of nuclear weapons, says UN Secretary-General

Vienna, Austria, 17 September 2007
 

Lilly Gundacker of the Women's Federation for World Peace
International delivered the statement on behalf of 44 NGOs.

A total of 17 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) had responded to the invitation to attend the Conference as observers. Lilly Gundacker of the Women's Federation for World Peace International addressed the Conference on behalf of 44 NGOs from around the world. She said that "the CTBT is important to all States" and "essential to the prevention of nuclear arms races … the protection of human health and the global environment from the devastating effects of nuclear weapons production and testing".

Addressing the US and China in particular, Gundacker said that "the world's patience is wearing thin with Signatory States that do not appear to be exerting good-faith efforts to ratify". On behalf of the international NGO community, she called on both countries to come forward and ratify the CTBT.

In closing with an emotional appeal, Gundacker reminded participants of the moral dimension of the CTBT. She told participating States that "your citizens and future generations depend on your wisdom and courage to protect them from the effects of the most dangerous weapons ever to curse humanity". She reiterated that "no Government should stand in the way of this indispensable step toward eliminating the threat of nuclear
weapons and preventing nuclear war".