Brussels, 26/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - Angola became the latest country to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on Friday 20 March, much to the satisfaction of the EU, which urges all states that have yet to sign and ratify the treaty to do so without delay.
“Angola has confirmed its commitment to the objective of eliminating all nuclear test explosions worldwide. Angola is the 164th country to ratify the CTBT, which is welcome news. The universalisation and entry into force of the CTBT are important priorities for the European Union as an essential element of advancing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation”, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in a statement published on Wednesday 25 March. Eight states required to ratify the treaty since they have nuclear capabilities have still to deposit their acts of ratification in New York, thereby allowing the CTBT to come into force. The CTBT bans all forms of nuclear explosion by anyone anywhere in the world. (Aminata Niang)