DATE=10/12/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-TEST BAN TREATY (S & L ONITER)
NUMBER=2-254946
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=

VOICED AT: 


INTRO: The U-S Senate is still wrestling with the fate 
of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which would 
outlaw all nuclear weapons tests.  Lawmakers could 
vote tomorrow (Wednesday) to kill the accord or simply 
decide not to vote. V-O-A's David Swan reports.


TEXT: Party leaders are negotiating a delay in the 
ratification vote, which the White House requested in 
the face of all but certain defeat.

But majority Republicans want ironclad guarantees the 
test ban will not surface again in President Clinton's 
term, even in some unforseen world crisis.  Republican 
Leader Trent Lott says if there is no such pledge, the 
test ban will be rejected.

            // Lott act //

      I'm perfectly comfortable having this vote. I 
      think this treaty is fatally flawed, I think its 
      dangerous for the future of our country.  I do 
      think its tantamount to unilateral disarmament.


            // end act //

The treaty's supporters say its defeat would be a 
devastating setback for the cause of international 
arms control.

            // Rest optional for long //

Democratic Senator Daniel Moynihan says the military 
coup in Pakistan shows the need to ease nuclear 
tensions.

            // Moynihan act //

      It just suggests how unstable that world is, how 
      close we are to a nuclear weapon in the Near 
      East and how important it is to have this treaty 
      as a possible means of controlling it.


            // end act //

Though signed by more than 150 nations, the 
prohibition on nuclear tests can not take effect until 
ratified by 44 nuclear-capable countries.  The 
holdouts include the United States, India, Pakistan, 
Russia and China.  President Clinton was the first 
leader to sign it and hoped to make ratification part 
of his legacy.  Now, it appears his only hope is that 
the Senate will take no final action at all.(Signed)

NEB/DS/PT



12-Oct-1999 19:10 PM EDT (12-Oct-1999 2310 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.