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Provisions
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons, also referred to as the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), obligates the five
acknowledged nuclear-weapon states (the United States,
Russian Federation, United Kingdom, France, and China)
not to transfer nuclear weapons, other nuclear
explosive devices, or their technology to any
non-nuclear-weapon state. Non-nuclear-weapon States
Parties undertake not to acquire or produce nuclear
weapons or nuclear explosive devices. They are
required also to accept safeguards to detect
diversions of nuclear materials from peaceful
activities, such as power generation, to the
production of nuclear weapons or other nuclear
explosive devices. This must be done in accordance
with an individual safeguards agreement, concluded
between each non-nuclear-weapon State Party and the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Under these
agreements, all nuclear materials in peaceful civil
facilities under the jurisdiction of the state must be
declared to the IAEA, whose inspectors have routine
access to the facilities for periodic monitoring and
inspections. If information from routine inspections
is not sufficient to fulfill its responsibilities, the
IAEA may consult with the state regarding special
inspections within or outside declared facilities.
Status
The Treaty was opened for signature on 01 July 1968,
and signed on that date by the United States, the
United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and 59 other
countries. The Treaty entered into force with the
deposit of US ratification on 05 March 1970. China
acceeded to the NPT on 09 March 1992, and France
acceded on 03 August 1992. In 1996, Belarus joined
Ukraine and Kazakhstan in removing and transferring to
the Russian Federation the last of the remaining
former Soviet nuclear weapons located within their
territories, and each of these nations has become a
State Party to the NPT, as a non-nuclear-weapon state.
In June 1997 Brazil became a State Party to the NPT.
The NPT is the most widely accepted arms control
agreement. As of early 2000 a total of 187 states were
Parties to the NPT. Cuba, Israel, India, and Pakistan
were the only states that were not members of the NPT.
In accordance with the terms of the NPT, on May 11,
1995 more than 170 countries attended the 1995 NPT
Review and Extension Conference (NPTREC) in New York.
Three decisions and one resolution emanated from
NPTREC. First, the NPT was extended for an indefinite
duration and without conditions. Second, Principles
and Objectives for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and
Disarmament were worked out to guide the parties to
the treaty in the next phase of its implementation.
Third, an enhanced review process was established for
future review conferences. Finally, a resolution
endorsed the establishment of a zone free of weapons
of mass destruction in the Middle East.
There is no confirmed instance of State Party
governmental transfers of nuclear weapon technology or
unsafeguarded nuclear materials to any
non-nuclear-weapon state. However, some
non-nuclear-weapon states, such as Iraq, were able to
obtain sensitive technology and/or equipment from
private parties in states that are States Parties to
the NPT. South Africa conducted an independent nuclear
weapons production program prior to joining the NPT.
However, it dismantled all of its nuclear weapons
before signing the Treaty. In 1994, the United States
and North Korea signed an "Agreed Framework" bringing
North Korea into full compliance with its
non-proliferation obligations under the NPT. North
Korea affirmed its NPT member status and committed to
allow implementation of its IAEA safeguards agreement.
Chronology
A chronological listing of major events and
developoments.
Texts
Primary documents, including treaty text and
associated memoranda, statements and other related
material.
Documents
Chronological archive of official factsheets,
announcements, briefings, speeches and other related
material.
News
Chronological archive of news reports, commentary
analysis and other related material.
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