ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, April 25, 1997 TAG: 9704250077
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Worldwide treaty forbids the use, development, production or stockpiling of all chemical warfare agents.
In a foreign policy triumph for President Clinton, the Senate voted Thursday night to ratify a treaty designed to ban chemical weapons around the globe.
The vote was 74-26, seven more than the two-thirds needed for approval. All Democrats voted in favor of the measure, while majority Republicans were split.
The vote capped an arduous lobbying campaign by the White House, culminating in a last-minute letter to Majority Leader Trent Lott in which Clinton said he would ``be prepared to withdraw'' from the treaty if it resulted in the spread of chemical weapon technology, as some critics said it might.
``It is a close call,'' Lott, R-Miss., said of his own decision to support the pact, an endorsement the White House had courted ardently. ``I believe the U.S. is marginally better off with it than without it.''
The treaty, opposed by many conservatives, bans the use, development, production or stockpiling of all chemical warfare agents and requires the destruction of existing stockpiles in the next decade.
It has been signed by 164 nations and ratified by 75. With or without U.S. ratification, the pact will take effect Tuesday.
Lott announced his decision moments after administration allies prevailed, 71-29, in eliminating a provision that would have barred U.S. ratification until Iran, Iraq, Syria and other so-called rogue states had acceded to the pact. The White House labeled the provision a ``killer amendment.''
Another provision opposed by the White House, requiring Clinton to bar inspectors from certain unfriendly nations, was defeated, 56-44. Vice President Al Gore presided over the Senate for that vote, in case he was needed to break a tie.
A third provision, deferring approval until Russia ratifies the treaty, was likewise removed from the legislation, 66-34.
LENGTH: Short : 48 linesby CNB