The CTBT: Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities

Lunchtime Semiar by ACA and The Verification Research, Training and Information Centre (VERTIC)

Tuesday, September 18, 2007
1:00 – 3:00 P.M.

Kleiner Redoutensaal, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria

A decade after the conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the establishment of the Provisional Technical Secretariat, global support for the treaty has grown and the verification system and its capabilities have grown. Yet, substantial political, budgetary, and technical challenges still lie ahead. This seminar will outline strategies to deal with these obstacles and discuss how the U.S. presidential election may affect the politics of ratification in Washington. Following the opening presentations, there will be an opportunity to pose questions to the panelists.

Introduction
Mr. Andreas Persbo
Nuclear Law and Policy Researcher, VERTIC, London

CTBT Verification: A Decade of Achievement
Prof. David Hafemeister
Professor of Physics (Emeritus), California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Progress Towards Entry Into Force
Amb. Jaap Ramaker
Special representative to promote the ratification process of the CTBT

Prospects of U.S. Ratification
Mr. Daryl G. Kimball
Executive Director, Arms Control Association, Washington DC

ACA and VERTIC would like to thank the Governments of the Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Norway and the Federal Republic of Germany for their generous support for this seminar.

For further information, contact Jane Awford, Information Officer and Networker:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7065 0880 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7065 0890 E-mail: jane.awford@vertic.org
Charlotte Spencer-Smith, Intern:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7065 0880 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7065 0890
E-mail: charlotte.spencer-smith@vertic.org