ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 9, 1997 TAG: 9704090065
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: UNITED NATIONS
For the first time, China joined the world's other four declared nuclear powers Tuesday in urging all nations to ratify and implement the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
The pact would ban nuclear testing and development of advanced new types of nuclear arms, as well as limit development on existing weapons. It also would cap stockpiles of fissionable material available for use in nuclear weapons.
A statement issued by China, the United States, Britain, Russia and France said implementation of the treaty would be ``a significant step toward the eventual achievement of nuclear disarmament.''
The statement was issued in connection with a private conference of signatories to the treaty, which began Monday.
-ASSOCIATED PRESS
LENGTH: Short : 26 linesby CNB