[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 78 (Thursday, May 11, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S6498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  THE NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY
  Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, just a couple of hours ago, the Nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty--the single most important component of the 
international effort to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons--was 
enshrined for all time by an overwhelming decision made by more than 
170 countries party to the treaty. The decision to make the NPT 
permanent was accomplished without any conditions or qualifications.
  This is a truly historic day in our ongoing efforts to make ours a 
safer and more peaceful world. The security of all countries, weapons 
States and nonweapons States alike, has been strengthened.
  The NPT has established the norm prohibiting the further acquisition 
of nuclear weapons. Indefinite extension of the NPT will help improve 
the climate of trust conducive to more restrictive controls over 
weapons-grade nuclear materials and related technologies and 
activities. It also provides momentum for addressing the dangers posed 
by other weapons of mass destruction.
  Making the NPT permanent, of course, will not end the global nuclear 
proliferation threat. Treaty membership is never a guarantee of 
compliance. Yet, when backed by strong national policies, the NPT 
advances the security interests of all countries. Indeed, it has helped 
to keep the number of declared nuclear weapons States and so-called 
``threshold'' States at five and three respectively.
  Clearly, the world remains a dangerous place. Iran, North Korea, and 
the theft of fissile materials present immediate nuclear proliferation 
perils. Much progress on controls over other weapons of mass 
destruction remains to be made. Moreover, as the tragic bombing in 
Oklahoma has shown, determined terrorists can accomplish their 
contemptible intentions with even the crudest of weapons.
  But today is a time for celebration. We have achieved a critical 
victory in making the post-cold-war period safer and more secure. This 
is a victory for all the world's people. I believe this body deserves a 
measure of credit for the unanimous adoption of a resolution in March 
calling for permanent, unconditional extension of the NPT. It is also a 
testament to the hard work of Tom Graham who took the lead in the 
negotiations. The chairman of the conference held in New York, the 
Honorable Jayantha Dhanapala of Sri Lanka, also deserves our thanks for 
his particularly skilled leadership. Happily, Mr. Dhanapala will be 
returning to Washington within a few days to resume his post as 
Ambassador of his country to the United States.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  

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