Bush's US considers nuclear non-proliferation `a lost cause'

By Yuan Jing-dong

Tuesday, May 11, 2004,Page 9

As member states to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) wrap up the Third Preparatory Committee meeting for next year's NPT Review Conference from April 26 to May 7 in New York, the future of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime hangs in the balance.

While the international media is focusing on developments in Iraq, the committee is being held at a critical juncture. This will be the last meeting prior to next year's conference, and at stake are the viability and future of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Indeed, developments since the 2000 committee depict a rather gloomy picture. The "13 Steps" toward nuclear disarmament, including the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the negotiation of a Fissile Materials Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT) have not made any progress. While the US-Russian Strategic Offensive Reduction Treaty (SORT or the Moscow Treaty) of May 2002 reduced the two leading nuclear weapon states' arsenals to 2,200 each by 2012, it does not carry the effect of an arms control treaty that is irreversible and verifiable.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/edit/archives/2004/05/11/2003155027

I like Jing-Dong making the distinction between America and Bush's America! Thank you!

By N. Hassan Wirajuda

Tuesday, May 11, 2004,Page 9

As a declared non-nuclear weapon state, Indonesia has always worked for nuclear non-proliferation -- indeed, for a world free of nuclear weapons. But the cause of nuclear non-proliferation is in deep trouble, as countries are once again tempted to acquire the means of oblivion.

For over three decades, the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) has been the cornerstone of the world's non-proliferation regime, a position that derives from growing acknowledgement of the legal and normative standards that it established. Adherence to the NPT has increased steadily, reaching a stage of near-universal acceptance.

But there is a general feeling that implementation has fallen short of expectations, particularly with regard to nuclear disarmament. Moreover, there is increasing concern over non-compliance and the associated risks of proliferation to worrisome states, particularly in Asia, and even more ominously, into the hands of individuals and terrorist organizations.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/edit/archives/2004/05/11/2003155026

the right of every American to own his or her own nuke. :evilgrin: