U.S. nuke tests criticized

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)