[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 29 (Monday, July 20, 1998)]
[Page 1372]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Brazil's Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban 
and Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaties

July 13, 1998

    Today Brazil ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and 
acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). I want to 
congratulate President Cardoso and the Government of Brazil for taking 
this historic step.
    Brazil's decision renews momentum for the international effort to 
halt the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament around the 
world. At a time when actions by India and Pakistan threaten a nuclear 
competition in South Asia, Brazil has chosen a different course--to 
invest in its people, not in a costly arms race.
    Brazil's action today to ratify the CTBT makes it all the more 
important for the U.S. to do the same. I call on our Senate to act 
expeditiously to approve the CTBT--already signed by 149 nations and 
supported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff--so that the United States can 
lead in this vital endeavor.