* Developing, non-nuclear nations want faster action
* Nuclear-armed states say they make disarmament progress
* Say disarmament side of “NPT bargain” not yet reality
By Fredrik Dahl
VIENNA, May 4 (Reuters) – Non-nuclear states are urging
nuclear-armed nations to disarm faster, while nuclear powers say
they are making “unprecedented progress” in doing so, a divide
on display at this week’s meeting to discuss the
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Under the pact, which most countries have acceded to, the
five recognised atomic bomb “haves” agreed to work towards
eliminating their bombs, and the “have-nots” pledged not to
pursue them. A treaty review conference is scheduled for 2015.
Critics say there has been more emphasis on meeting the
non-proliferation goal than getting the five major powers – the
United States, China, Russia, France and Britain – to fulfil
their part of the deal.
“There is a quite a large distance between what the nuclear
weapons states say and what the rest of us think,” said one
diplomat from a smaller European Union country.
Speaking on behalf of the seven-nation New Agenda Coalition,
including Brazil, Mexico, Ireland and Sweden, South African
ambassador Abdul Samad Minty told delegates: “Whereas the
non-proliferation measures have been strengthened over the
years, the nuclear disarmament side of the NPT bargain has yet
to be realised.”
Continued…
