Conferences on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
17-18 September 2007, Vienna
Article XIV of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) states that if the Treaty has not entered into force three years after the date of the anniversary of its opening for signature, a conference may be held upon the request of a majority of ratifying States. Such a conference is held to examine to what extent the requirements for entry into force have been met, and to decide on measures to accelerate the ratification process. Previous Conferences on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Treaty were held in 1999 and 2003 in Vienna, and 2001 and 2005 in New York.
Pursuant to Article XIV, and at the request by a majority of States which have already deposited their instruments of ratification of the Treaty, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as the Depositary of the Treaty, convened the fifth Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the CTBT from 17 to 18 September 2007 in Vienna.
The Conference was opened on 17 September by the United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mr. Sergio Duarte, on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
At the time of opening of the Conference, 34 out of the 44 States listed in Annex 2 to the Treaty, whose ratification is required for the entry into force of the CTBT had ratified the Treaty, including three nuclear-weapon States (France, Russian Federation and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).
CTBTO website– 2007 Article XIV Conference
CTBTO website -2005 Article XIV Conference
CTBTO website -2003 Article XIV Conference
CTBTO website – 2001 Article XIV Conference
CTBTO website – 1999 Article XIV Conference
