Message-Id: <199609020135.LAA26186@peg.apc.org>
To: foesydney
Subject: LavrovLtr
Cc: abolition-caucus@igc.apc.org, conf:foe.oz, rusun@undp.org
Status: RO
ATTN MR SERGEY LAVROV,
U.N. AMBASSADOR FOR RUSSIAN FEDERATION
FROM: FRIENDS OF THE EARTH,
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.
Dear Ambassador: I am writing on behalf of Friends of the Earth
in Sydney, Australia, to urge you and your country to give its
fullest support to the comprehensive test-ban treaty text that has
been negotiated in Geneva.
The current text, while it contains serious deficiencies in its
entry-into-force provisions and while its preamble fails to
contain a strong commitment to a timetable for complete nuclear
disarmament, will mean the end of nuclear testing forever: - if it
is allowed to succeed and be signed. The signature of a
comprehensive test-ban treaty has overwhelming support around the
world, not only from governments especially my own, that of
Australia, but from the NGO community, and the overwhelming
majority of the people of the world.
FOE Sydney is worried and disappointed that Russia has said that
they will not contemplate changes to the preamble or
entry-into-force provisions, and may not sign the treaty if
alterations are made. I understand that Russia has said the
current EIF is a 'sacred cow' that must not be touched. This is
most unfortunate and counterproductive. It is the view of all
disarmement activists the world over that the current EIF
provision is completely unworkable, and that a stronger preamble
is very highly desirable.
We urge you to look again at your countryUs attitude to the EIF
provision and the preamble, with a view to the advantages that a
more flexible attitude would bring.
Non-governmental organisations the world over as well as national
governments see the permanent cessation of nuclear testing as the
very highest priority. The very survival of the planet depends on
it. The recent decision of the ICJ made it clear that not only was
the use of nuclear weapons illegal in practically any
circumstances that it is possible to envision, but that no country
has the right to render the entire planet uninhabitable even to
defend its very survival.
The signature and entry into force of the CTBT is a matter of the
very highest priority, and rigid attitudes on preamble and EIF
only make it possible either that the treaty will not be signed or
that it will not enter into force. It is of the utmost priority
that it do so.
While alterations to the text are not advisable at this late
stage, the treaty is far too important to be held hostage to a
complete refusal to contemplate changes. We urge you to support,
co-sponsor, and sign the treaty as a matter of the very highest
priority, and to use your influence to encourage other nations to
do likewise.
Finally, we respectfully, but as a matter of the utmost
importance, request you to take the lead in committing the
weapons states, as suggested in the Canberra Commission report and
the recent judgment of the ICJ, to agree to start work
immediately on practical steps and negotiations toward the
complete elimination of nuclear weapons. Such a step would meet
many of the objections to the current text of the CTBT raised by
India, and hopefully induce that nation to sign it, allowing it to
enter into force.
With respect, John Hallam, Nuclear Campaigner, Friends of the
Earth Sydney, Australia.
