U.S. nuke tests criticized

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government called on the United States yesterday to review its decision to conduct subcritical nuclear weapons tests, saying it contradicts the spirit of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The Indonesian foreign ministry expressed "deep concern" over the United States' latest subcritical test on July 2.

"The Indonesian government urges the U.S. government to review its decision to conduct a planned series of subcritical experiments," the ministry said.

It said such tests were not conducive to global disarmament efforts, particular nuclear disarmament efforts.

The foreign ministry said that during last year's CTBT negotiations, Indonesia insisted subcritical experiments be included in the treaty.

But Indonesia acquiesced in the spirit of compromise in order to help finalize the treaty.

The foreign ministry said the recent subcritical tests deprecates the spirit of cooperation shown by Indonesia during the CTBT negotiations.

The foreign ministry maintained that while the tests aimed to improve the safety of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, they could also increase the quality of the weapons which contradicts the spirit of the CTBT.

The CTBT aims to keep a check on the development and qualitative improvement of nuclear weapons with the goal of ending the inception and proliferation of nuclear weapons. (mds)