Egypt leads drive for Israel to sign Non-Proliferation Treaty
|
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Monday, April 8, 2002
Egypt is leading a new international campaign for
India, Israel and Pakistan to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Egypt is helping draft a working paper to help revise the NPT to ensure
the inclusion of states that are not in the nuclear club. The paper would
seek to implement the NPT and launch negotiations to control nuclear fuel.
The paper is meant to be submitted on Monday at the United Nations.
Egypt's efforts are part of a seven-member alliance arms control alliance
that includes Brazil, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa and Sweden.
Egypt's envoy to the UN, Ahmed Abdul Gheit, said the alliance is
concerned that global tension will fuel the nuclear race, particularly in
such regions as the Middle East and South Asia. The diplomat expressed
concern over the maintenance of security doctrines that encourage nuclear
arsenals.
The NPT calls on member states to declare any nuclear arsenal and open
suspected facilities to international inspection. Citing regional threats,
India, Israel and Pakistan have refused to sign the NPT.
Diplomats said the working paper submitted to the UN will urge that
India, Israel and Pakistan sign the NPT as soon as possible.
|