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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release January 29, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

France Conducts Its Last Nuclear Test

Today, France announced it has conducted its final underground nuclear test in the South Pacific. Since 1993, the United States has consistently urged that all nations abide by a global moratorium on nuclear testing as we work to complete and sign a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The United States welcomes France's decision to end nuclear testing in the Pacific and France's strong support for the early conclusion of a zero yield CTBT.

Today's announcement in Paris will provide new momentum to our efforts to conclude a CTBT that can be signed this fall, as called for by President Clinton in his January 23 State of the Union Address. A CTBT will be an historic milestone in our efforts to advance the cause of nonproliferation and disarmament and will reduce the nuclear danger to every American and people all over the world.

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