CTBT Invitation

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Conference on Disarmament

General Assembly First Committee

UN Disarmament Commission

Special Session on Disarmament

Invitation to NGOs to attend the Second Conference on Facilitating the Entry Into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

The second international conference aimed at speeding up entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was to be held from September 25-27, 2001 in New York. However, due to the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the CTBT conference has been postoibed.

Mexico's Foreign Minister, Mr. Jorge Castaneda is expected to chair this Conference, scheduled to take place in the opening week of the General Assembly.

Almost all signatory states will attend and it is expected that many governments will send Foreign Ministers or Heads of State to show their support for this treaty. All states, both signatories and non-signatories are invited to attend the Conference.

NGOS SHOULD REGISTER FOR ACCREDITATION TO THIS CONFERENCE BEFORE 31ST AUGUST, 2001.

Draft rule 43 provides for the participation of non-governmental organizations. Any NGO wishing to attend needs to apply in writing, with a letter from the organisation and a brief (max. 2 pages) explanation of its work relevant to the conference, to
Ms. Sari Nurro, Department for Disarmament Affairs,
UN Plaza, 10017, New York, USA,
Fax:1 212 963 8892
Ph: 1 212 963 9678
Email: nur-@un.org).

Permission will be granted by a decision of the Conference.

According to Rule 43, "NGOs will be able to attend open meetings, receive documents of the Conference upon request and to make available at their own cost written contributions on matters under consideration by the Conference."

One five-minute statement representing NGO views on Entry Into Force of the CTBT can be made. This statement is being coordinated by Merav Datan, of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and Physicians for Social Responsibility, Tel: 1 646 865 1883, email: mda-@ippnw.org