Russia preparing bill to revoke ratification of nuclear test ban treaty

Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov says move aimed at leveling positions with US, as Moscow ratified agreement but Washington did not

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday that his ministry is preparing a draft law to revoke ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

"A bill that will repeal the first article of the relevant federal law adopted in 2000. The first article is ratification," Ryabkov told reporters in Moscow.

The diplomat noted that the remaining articles should be left in force as they provide for the measures necessary to maintain Russia's nuclear arsenal "at the proper level and to the proper degree of combat readiness."

"Such a bill is introduced by the president of Russia on the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. We are currently preparing it," he explained.

Ryabkov said the move is aimed at leveling positions with the US, as Moscow ratified the agreement but Washington did not.

The CTBT bans all nuclear explosions, whether for military or peaceful purposes.

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