Fourth issue of CTBTO Spectrum
published

PI/2004/11

The fourth issue of CTBTO Spectrum, the biannual public newsletter issued by the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty organization, has been published today. CTBTO Spectrum is designed to give a general overview of the work and activities of the Commission over the preceding six months. It also sets out to describe the latest developments in the establishment of the global verification regime, which will monitor adherence to the terms of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Each issue of CTBTO Spectrum focuses on a theme. This issue examines the legal aspects of building the verification regime. Although the CTBT has not yet entered into force, the CTBTO Preparatory Commission is tasked with the establishment of a global verification regime which must be operational at entry into force. An interview with Palitha T.B. Kohona, Chief of the Treaty Section of the Office of Legal Affairs, United Nations, and a feature article by the former Legal Adviser of the UK Foreign Office, Anthony Aust, examine the legal foundations of the Commission's activities. The cover story, by the Legal Adviser to the Provisional Technical Secretariat, also explores the topic. In addition, regular columns cover a wide range of subjects, including recent developments in verification science and a report on the 22nd session of the Preparatory Commission. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty bans all nuclear test explosions in any environment. Drafted at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, and opened for signature on 24 September 1996, the Treaty must be ratified by 44 named States before it can enter into force. The Treaty has been signed by 172 and ratified by 115 States. Thirty-two of the 44 named States have so far ratified it. CTBTO Spectrum is distributed to the Commission's specialized audiences and to the wider public. To receive a hardcopy of CTBTO Spectrum, please write to [email protected], for the electronic version, kindly subscribe via the web site at www.ctbto.org

For further information on the CTBTO, please see www.ctbto.org or contact:
Annika Thunborg, Chief, Public Information  
T    +43 1 26030-6375  
E    [email protected]
M    +43 699 1459 6375       
I    www.ctbto.org