    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [April 6, 1998]
    [Page 510]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on British and French Ratification of the Comprehensive
    Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
    April 6, 1998

        Today, France and Great Britain deposited their instruments of
    ratification for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) with
    the Secretary-General of the United Nations in New York, thus becoming
    the first nuclear weapon states to ratify the CTBT.
        I applaud this milestone in the global effort to reduce the nuclear
    threat and build a safer world. In particular, I want to thank Prime
    Minister Blair and President Chirac and the Parliaments of Great Britain and France for
    their leadership in paving the way towards early entry into force of
    this historic treaty.
        The CTBT has now been signed by 149 states, including all 5 nuclear
    weapon states. In my State of the Union Address, I asked the Senate to
    give its advice and consent to the CTBT this year. The CTBT is in the
    best interests of the United States because its provisions will
    significantly further our nuclear nonproliferation and arms control
    objectives and strengthen international security.