UN RESOLUTION SEEKS TO BAN NUCLEAR TESTING

UNITED NATIONS With U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry invoking North Korea’s latest nuclear explosion as a “reckless act of provocation,” the UN Security Council on Friday approved a resolution urging quick global implementation of a treaty that would ban tests of such weapons.

Kerry said universal adoption of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty would result in a “safer, more secure, and more peaceful planet,” as the United States and 18 other council members approved the resolution, with none opposed and Egypt abstaining.

Friday’s move was mostly symbolic. The U.S. remains one of the holdouts among the 44 countries that are designated “nuclear capable” — the United States, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea and Pakistan — that still need to ratify the treaty for it to enter into force.

The White House has lobbied Congress for support, but opposition remains strong, although advocates say computer modelling make real testing obsolete.