The ratification provided a strong example of the positive leadership role Indonesia could play in the global effort to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, Obama said.
"The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is a critical element of the international effort to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and I urge all states to sign and ratify the agreement so that it can be brought into force at the earliest possible date," he said.
"The United States remains fully committed to pursuing ratification of the Test Ban Treaty and will continue to engage members of the Senate on the importance of this Treaty to U.S. security," Obama added.
According to Obama, America must lead the global effort to prevent proliferation, and adoption and early entry into force of the CTBT is a vital part of that effort.
Indonesia`s House of Representatives (DPR) at a plenary meeting here on Tuesday (Dec 6) ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
"Members of all factions in the parliament have agreed to ratify the CTBT," House Deputy Speaker Priyo Budi Santoso who chaired the plenary session said.
With the CTBT`s passage by the Indonesian parliament, a total of 38 of the 44 countries listed as nuclear weapon and non-nuclear weapon states have now ratified the treaty.
The eight other listed countries that have yet to ratify the CTBT are the United States, Israel, North Korea, China, India, Pakistan and Egypt.
Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa who attended the House plenary meeting expressed appreciation for the House members` decision to endorse the CTBT.
"The House`s endorsement will strengthen Indonesia`s stance in supporting the non proliferation and total eradication of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons," said the minister.(*)
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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
