DR of Timor-Leste included as a member of the SEAPFE geographical region

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has been included as a member of the South-East Asia, the Pacific and the Far East (SEAPFE) geographical region for the purposes of the activities of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission. The decision was adopted during the 22nd session of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission, which took place from 22 to 24 June 2004. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was drafted in 1994 and 1995, and opened for signature in 1996. At that time, Timor-Leste was not an independent State, and was therefore not included in the lists of geographical regions which form part of the Treaty. Timor-Leste's inclusion into the SEAPFE geographical region for the purposes of the activities of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission brings the number of States in that region to 32. In total, 194 States are now listed in the six geographical regions outlined in the Treaty.