The CTBTO International Monitoring System and Global Seismicity

Abstract

On 10 September 1996, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which prohibits all nuclear test explosions in any environment. This treaty was opened for signature on 24 September 1996, in New York and will enter into force after it has been ratified by 44 States, which have been identified in Annex 2 of the Treaty as having nuclear capabilities. As of 2 July 2004, 115 (67%) of the 172 Signatory States of the CTBT (among the 194 UN Member States) have ratified the Treaty. From the 44 States of Annex 2, 41 (93%) have signed the Treaty, with more than two thirds, or 32 (73%), also having completed ratification.