Disarmament Diplomacy

Issue No. 17, July - August 1997

Editor's Introduction

The July/August issue features two Opinion Pieces on the future of the Conference on Disarmament (CD). Gerald Steinberg, Professor of Political Studies at Bar Ilan University in Israel, examines the current and possible links between the CD and regional arms control. Rebecca Johnson explores the issue of the CD's relationship with, and accountability to, the United Nations. Rebecca Johnson also provides a Geneva Update, reporting on developments both at the Conference and in the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).

In Guest Analysis, Dr. Stephen Pullinger, Executive Director of the International Security Information Service (ISIS), considers the possible changes in British arms control policy and priorities under the new Labour Government, while journalist Jim Wurst ponders the merits and implications of the planned establishment of a Department for Disarmament and Arms Regulation (DDAR) at the UN.

Documents and Sources features the US decision to enter the 'Ottawa Process,' seeking a ban on anti-personnel landmines by the end of the year; the carrying out of a controversial sub-critical nuclear test by the US Department of Energy (DOE); progress in implementing the US-North Korea Framework Agreement; and the announcement of new arms sales criteria and procedures by the British Government.

News Review includes coverage of the fierce reaction to the DOE test; controversies over allegedly proliferation-related exports by China, Russia and the US; a major report on US nuclear policy by the National Academy of Sciences; the arrival of a new Chair of the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) on Iraq; and the lifting of the US ban on sales of advanced weaponry to Latin America.

Disarmament Diplomacy would like to pay tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, for her work on behalf of many charities, particularly her important contribution to raising awareness of the suffering caused by landmines.

Dedication

This issue is dedicated to the memory of David Yates, a brilliant young researcher at the Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford, who died suddenly on 22 July.

Return to top of page

Return to List of Contents

Return to Acronym Main Page