Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

When posed questions regarding Japan’s dumping of nuclear waste water by Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah, the Prime Minister assured that the government of PNG does not want nuclear discharge in its waters.

“My statement was misplaced in a sense that there’s no unilateral clearance for them (Japan) to discharge any nuclear waste but it was stated that the test done, if it proved that it is compliant with the highest test ever and the discharge is clean and safe for discharge then they can discharge into the water.”

Since it opened for signature on 24th of September 1996, Papua New Guinea was amongst the first states to sign the comprehensive test ban treaty, but remains to date one of the only 10 states that have yet to ratify it.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral treaty opened for signature in 1996 by which states agree to ban all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purposes.

“Within the region, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Island and Tonga are the only Pacific Island Forum nations yet to ratify the treaty,” said PM Marape.