    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [April 21, 2000]
    [Page 757]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Russian State Duma Action on the Comprehensive
    Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
    April 21, 2000

        I am pleased that the Russian State Duma today approved the
    Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). I look forward to prompt
    action on the CTBT by the Federation Council, which also approved the
    START II Treaty earlier this week.
        More than 150 countries have signed the CTBT so far, agreeing to
    stop all nuclear explosive testing. Ratification of the CTBT by Russia
    would mean that 30 of the 44 states whose ratification is required for
    entry into force have now approved this historic agreement, including
    many U.S. friends and allies. Approval of the CTBT by Russia--as well as
    the recent approvals by Chile, Bangladesh, and Turkey--renews momentum
    for the international effort to halt the spread of nuclear weapons and
    promote disarmament around the world.
        I congratulate President-elect Putin and
    his government, members of the State Duma, and Russian citizens who
    together worked to achieve this important step toward a safer future.