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Britain Ratifies Treaty to Establish Nuclear-Free Zone in Africa
Britain Monday deposited to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) the instrument of ratification on the African Nuclear Weapons-Free-Zone in accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of the Treaty of Pelindaba.
The treaty, which was signed in Cairo, Egypt, in 1996 by 42 African countries and has so far been ratified by 15 countries, will enter into force after 28 of them ratify it.
OAU Secretary-General Salim Ahmed Salim welcomed the move by the British government and underscored the importance of the treaty being ratified by countries including 14 other countries.
Salim expressed hope that the measure taken by Britain will accelerate action by other countries, which have not yet ratified the treaty or deposited the instrument of ratification.
In a statement handed over to the secretary-general, British Ambassador to Ethiopia Myles Wickstead stressed that the universal adherence to and compliance with international agreements to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are vital to the maintenance of world security.
In order for the treaty to enter into force, nuclear club countries such as the United States, Britain and France are also required to deposit the instrument of ratification in accordance with the provisions of Article 21.
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