July 13, 1998

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

                              THE WHITE HOUSE

                       Office of the Press Secretary

________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                      July 13, 1998


                        STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

  Brazilian Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and
                     Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty


     Today, Brazil ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and
acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).  I want to
congratulate President Cardoso and the Government of Brazil for taking this
historic step.

     Brazil?s decision renews momentum for the international effort to halt
the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament around the world.  At
a time when actions by India and Pakistan threaten a nuclear competition in
South Asia, Brazil has chosen a different course ?- to invest in its
people, not in a costly arms race.

     Brazil?s action today to ratify the CTBT makes it all the more
important for the U.S. to do the same.  I call on our Senate to act
expeditiously to approve the CTBT -- already signed by 149 nations and
supported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- so that the United States can
lead in this vital endeavor.


                                   # # #