RI likely to ratify atomic weapon act
RI likely to ratify atomic weapon act
JAKARTA (JP): The Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone
treaty could come into effect next month if Indonesia becomes the
seventh country to ratify it, thus fulfilling the minimum quota
for its implementation.
In a meeting with members of House Commission I for foreign
affairs, defense and information yesterday, Minister of Foreign
Affairs Ali Alatas underlined the importance of a speedy
endorsement of the treaty.
"Indonesia is a leader in the region so it shouldn't trail in
helping to establish a nuclear free zone in southeast Asia,"
Alatas said.
The leaders of ten southeast Asian countries gathered in
Bangkok in December 1995 to sign a nuclear weapons free zone
treaty.
So far, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam
have ratified the treaty.
Three other signatories -- Indonesia, the Philippines and
Thailand -- have yet to do so. The treaty requires the
ratification of seven signatories before it comes into effect.
Alatas argued that Indonesia should play a leading role and
join the original seven signatories.
Alatas' call received strong support from members of the
House. Representatives from all four factions gave the treaty
resounding support and pledged speedy but thorough deliberation
of it.
The House is scheduled to hold a plenary sessions to pass the
treaty on March 12.
While members have proposed some minor technical
recommendations to be incorporated into the treaty, no severe
impediments are likely to delay the approval of the final bill.
Zumarnis Zein of the Armed Forces faction described the
creation of a nuclear weapons free zone as one of the fundamental
national interests. In addition, the treaty was necessary to
ensure continued regional stability.
"As a developing country ... Indonesia needs a stable and
peaceful environment both at home and regionally," he said.
Krissantono of the Golkar faction said the establishment of a
nuclear weapons free zone was an important step toward the
establishment of closer regional cooperation.
"By ratifying the treaty, we are providing a strong foundation
for cooperation in a nuclear free southeast Asia," he said.
Apart from hailing the treaty, Krissantono also raised
concerns over the fact that none of the nuclear weapon countries
-- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- have
signed on to the protocol to the treaty.
"Besides the ten southeast Asian countries ratifying the
treaty, there needs to be a commitment from the nuclear states to
respect it," he remarked.
The United States has raised objections over several points in
the treaty. Officials from the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations are currently working with their U.S. counterparts to
make minor amendments to make the treaty acceptable to the
nuclear powers. (mds)