UN Reminds Prohibition Of Nuclear Trials Legally Binding

JAKARTA - United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a binding ban on nuclear testing for the nuclear free world and he urged that the action be stopped immediately.

Guterres called on all countries to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Agreement, unconditionally.

He conveyed the call on the Day Against the International Nuclear Test, which is celebrated every August 29 since 2010, at the UN General Assembly.

"Since 1945, more than two thousand nuclear tests have caused terrible suffering to people, poisoned the air we sustain, and damaged land all over the world," Guterres said.

He warned this year that the world is facing global distrust and global divisions that are increasing alarmingly.

"At a time when nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons are stockpiled worldwide -- and countries are trying to increase their accuracy, reach, and destructive power -- this is a recipe for destruction," Guterres said.

"The legally binding ban on nuclear testing is a fundamental step in our efforts to become a nuclear weapons-free country," he said. "Let's end the nuclear trial forever."

Meanwhile, Chairman of the UN General Assembly Csaba Korosi said all efforts must be made to end nuclear trials.

"It is our duty to ensure a legal ban on nuclear trials for all countries. We need the right policies and protection to protect us from mistakes and bad decisions," said Korosi.