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Malaysia signs CTBT

Malaysia has joined a growing list of countries by signing a global nuclear test ban treaty, its foreign ministry said on Friday.

The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty was signed by Malaysia's permanent representative to the United Nations, Hasmy Agam, in New York on Thursday, a ministry statement said.

Malaysia will soon take the necessary steps to ratify the treaty, it said.

"The signing of the CTBT is in consonance with Malaysia's firm commitment to the goals of general and complete disarmament,'' it said.

"It is also a reaffirmation of Malaysia's consistent support towards all international efforts aimed at nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.''

Visiting Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer welcomed the step, "particularly in light of the challenges to the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime posed by the recent nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan.''

UNI

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