U.S. positive about SEA nuclear free zone<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The United States said it was sympathetic to the
\nformation of a nuclear weapons free zone in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n
\"We are positively inclined towards such an arrangement,\" said
\nRobert Einhorn, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for political
\nand military affairs, during a Worldnet dialog from Washington
\nyesterday.<\/p>\n
He told panelists in Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, Singapore and
\nJakarta that such a zone was welcomed as long as it further
\nenhanced non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and would not bring
\ndetrimental effects to the security of the region.<\/p>\n
Yesterday's dialog was conducted as a campaign to promote the
\nindefinite extension of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
\nwhich comes under review next month.<\/p>\n
According to Indonesian legislator Theo Sambuaga, the U.S. so
\nfar, has failed to show its commitment for a nuclear weapons free
\nzone. However, he said that Washington, in the past few days, has
\nindicated that it might agree to it.<\/p>\n
Einhorn did confirm Theo's comment but stated that the U.S.
\n\"looks forward to receiving and analyzing the text of the nuclear
\nweapons free zone for Southeast Asia.\"<\/p>\n
Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
\nhave long insisted on creating a nuclear weapons free zone in the
\nregion through the concept the Zone Of Peace Friendship And
\nNeutrality.<\/p>\n
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
\nSingapore and Thailand.<\/p>\n
As the Non-Proliferation Treaty review comes closer, Einhorn
\nexpressed confidence that there would be enough votes necessary
\nfor the treaty's indefinite extension.<\/p>\n
\"We believe the votes will be there,\" he said adding there was
\nno need for the U.S. to think of a fallback.<\/p>\n
He claimed that despite 70-80 countries still being undecided
\nabout their position, none have categorically objected to the
\nindefinite extension.<\/p>\n
Indonesia tends not to accept an indefinite extension due to
\nits suspicions of nuclear weapons owning countries commitments to
\ncomprehensively reduce their nuclear arsenals.<\/p>\n
Einhorn asserted his government's commitment to the process
\nand said that Washington had conducted high level discussions
\nwith officials here.<\/p>\n
\"We hope to persuade Indonesia that its in their interest and
\nthe interest of the entire world,\" he said.(mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/us-positive-about-sea-nuclear-free-zone-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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