Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s House of Representatives at a plenary meeting here on Tuesday ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

"Members of all factions in the parliament have agreed to ratify the CTBT," House Deputy Speaker Priyo Budi Santoso who chaired the plenary session said.

With the CTBT`s passage by the Indonesian parliament, a total of 38 of the 44 countries listed as nuclear weapon and non-nuclear weapon states have now ratified the treaty.

The eight other listed countries that have yet to ratify the CTBT are the United States, Israel, North Korea, China, India, Pakistan and Egypt.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa who attended the House plenary meeting expressed appreciation for the House members` decision to endorse the CTBT.

"The House`s endorsement will strengthen Indonesia`s stance in supporting the non proliferation and total eradication of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons," said the minister.

He said Indonesia would henceforth make efforts to persuade other countries to ratify the CTBT.
(A051)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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