By Mike Nartker
Global Security Newswire

WASHINGTON — Latin American countries yesterday marked the 35^th anniversary of the Treaty of Tlateloloco, which prohibits nuclear weapons in the region.

The treaty, which was the first to establish a nuclear weapon-free zone in the world, bans construction, storage and testing of nuclear weapons throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean.  It includes two protocols calling on nuclear weapon states to recognize the nuclear-free zone and calling on countries with colonies in the region to adhere to the zone.

Out of 33 member states, 32 have signed and ratified the treaty.  Cuba signed but did not ratify the treaty in 1995.  In 1992, the country dropped its demands for the United States to leave the Guantanamo Bay naval base as a precondition for signing the treaty.

Discussions on the Tlateloloco treaty began in 1963 and 15 Latin American states signed a draft of the treaty in 1967.  The treaty entered into force in 1968.

About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines

HOME  |  CONTACT US  |  GET INVOLVED  |  SITE MAP

Back to top