Albright Urges New Leadership Tt Look at CTBT Merit

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

January 5, 2001

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT

REPORT ON COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY

General Shalikashvili has performed another great service for the
nation. Yesterday, he presented to me his report on his consultations
with the Senate and independent experts on the Comprehensive Nuclear
Test Ban Treaty. I appreciate the excellent and comprehensive work he
has done.

I believe the General's thorough assessment will provide the basis for
thoughtful consideration of these issues by the new administration and
the new Congress. I urge them to look at these questions on their
merits. They will have to decide what the right course is for America,
but my view remains that eventual ratification of this Treaty, as one
part of an overall non-proliferation strategy, will help guard America
against nuclear dangers and make all Americans safer.