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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release September 16, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

                President Clinton's Participation  
                   in the 51st Annual Session
                   of the UN General Assembly

President Clinton will travel to New York City on September 24 to address the 51st Annual Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Before his speech to the General Assembly, the President will attend the signing ceremony for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The President will be the first world leader to sign the treaty. The UN General Assembly adopted the treaty earlier this month, fulfilling a vision of American leaders going back to Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.

The CTBT marks an historic milestone in our efforts to eliminate the vestiges of the Cold War, reduce the threat of nuclear war, and build a safer world. By banning all nuclear explosions, the treaty will constrain the development and qualitative improvement of nuclear weapons, as well as end the development of advanced new types of nuclear weapons. The CTBT will thus contribute to the prevention of nuclear proliferation and the process of nuclear disarmament, and enhance international peace and security.

Following his speech to the General Assembly, the President plans to meet with Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto of Japan. Discussions with the Japanese leader will address bilateral economic and security issues, as well as global issues of mutual concern.

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