DATE=10/6/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-TEST BAN (L)
NUMBER=2-254722
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=

VOICED AT: 

INTRO: The Clinton administration is still pressing 
for ratification of the comprehensive test ban treaty 
or C-T-B-T - even though the Senate is likely to set 
the issue aside.  Party leaders are negotiating a 
delay in the vote, which all sides agree would bring 
rejection for the treaty.  V-O-A's David Swan reports.

TEXT: For now at least, the White House is acting as 
though it expects the vote to proceed.  Defense 
Secretary and former senator, William Cohen, argued 
the treaty's case before his old colleagues on the 
Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Cohen tried to answer Republican charges the pact 
would weaken the country's nuclear stockpile and 
jeopardize national security.  

            /// COHEN ACT ///

      If you believe, as I do, that we'll be safer in 
      a world in which there are fewer nuclear 
      weapons, then we have to ask how do we restrain 
      other states from creating and building these 
      nuclear arsenals?  I believe the C-T-B-T is one 
      answer.  I think it provides an important tool 
      to meet one of the most pressing national 
      security challenges.

            /// END ACT ///

But even as the hearing began, there were fresh calls 
to delay the showdown vote.  Members of both parties 
acknowledge the test ban will fall far short of the 
two-thirds majority needed for ratification.

Senator Arlen Specter, one of the few Republicans who 
favors the treaty, says it should be withdrawn, to 
avoid what he calls a calamitous defeat.

            /// SPECTER ACT ///

      At the present time around the world, many 
      eyebrows are raised because (many people wonder 
      why) the Senate has not ratified the treaty.  
      But if the Senate were to reject the treaty then 
      it would be highly publicized worldwide.  It 
      would be an open excuse for countries like India 
      and Pakistan to continue nuclear testing.

            /// END ACT ///

The White House makes clear it would accept a delay in 
the vote but is resisting Republican demands to put it 
off until the next administration.  If no compromise 
is reached, the vote will take place sometime next 
week. (Signed)

NEB/DS/JO



06-Oct-1999 11:34 AM EDT (06-Oct-1999 1534 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.