DATE=10/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-TEST BAN TREATY (L)
NUMBER=2-254976
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO: The U-S Senate appears headed toward rejecting 
the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, with 
conservative lawmakers blocking attempts to put off a 
vote. As V-O-A's David Swan reports, a decision on 
ratification or rejection could come within hours 
(Wednesday).

TEXT: Senators have spent several days negotiating a 
delay in the vote, which all sides agree would send 
the treaty down to defeat.  But a pessimistic 
Democratic leader Tom Daschle tells reporters he has 
put forth his best offer and can not meet the demands 
of what he calls far-right Republicans.

These conservatives want blanket guarantees the treaty 
will not be raised again in this administration, even 
in some possible international crisis.  Mr. Daschle 
cites the coup in nuclear-armed Pakistan to show why 
he will not give such assurances.

            /// Daschle act ///

      I can not say today what will happen 
      internationally.  I do know that we've got a 
      better idea of what is happening as a result of 
      what's happening in Pakistan in the last 24 
      hours.  But how many more international 
      incidences could occur in the next 12 to 16 
      months?

            /// end act ///

The treaty would outlaw all nuclear testing once it is 
ratified by 44 nuclear-capable states.  Its supporters 
say U-S rejection would send the wrong signal to other 
countries in this group.

But virtually none of the Senate's majority 
Republicans support the test ban.  Critics say it can 
not be verified and would weaken the nation's arsenal, 
while allowing rogue states to keep on developing and 
testing nuclear weapons.  Republican James Inhofe is 
one of those who oppose delaying the vote and hope to 
kill the treaty outright.

            /// Inhofe act ///

      We have this flawed treaty, this treaty that 
      allows our adversaries to conduct underground 
      (nuclear) tests while we can't do it.

            /// end act ///

Barring some last-minute compromise, a final vote is 
likely later in the day (Wednesday).  If the treaty 
loses, Democrats vow they will use the issue to attack 
Republicans in next year's election campaign. (Signed)

Neb/DS/JP




13-Oct-1999 13:10 PM EDT (13-Oct-1999 1710 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.