Deputy Prime Minister Igor Lukšić talks with CTBTO Executive Secretary Lassina Zerbo

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić met earlier today with Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).

Their meeting emphasised the importance of a prompt entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and they noted that its full implementation would bring a halt to the development of nuclear armaments and limitations to the existing capacities, which is of crucial importance for global, regional, and national security.

DPM Lukšić noted that regardless of the fact that it has still not entered into force, the Treaty already has a large impact on halting of nuclear tests in signatory countries, as well as on easing the consequences of natural disasters within a single regime of verification and the International Monitoring System (IMS) applied by the Organisation, which has in a number of instances proven its reliability.

Mr Zerbo informed Mr Lukšić about CTBTO’s plans and future activities as regards full implementation of the Treaty, and he noted its importance for preventing nuclear testing, as well as in the domain of scientific research, climate change, and spotting other natural disasters.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) was established in 1996 and is seated in Vienna. The main tasks of the Organisation are to promote the Treaty and strengthen the verification regime in order to ensure full operability once the Treaty enters into force. Montenegro has signed and ratified the Treaty in 2006.