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September 21, 2017

Dozens of Countries Sign Landmark Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons at U.N.
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At the United Nations headquarters in New York City, dozens of countries
have signed on to a landmark treaty to ban nuclear weapons worldwide.
The United Nations calls it the world's first legally binding treaty
banning nuclear weapons. It prohibits the development, testing and
possession of nuclear weapons, as well as using or threatening to use
these weapons. The treaty was approved by 122 U.N. member states in
July, despite heavy U.S. opposition to the treaty. Following the
treaty's approval, the U.S., Britain and France published a joint
statement saying they "have not taken part in the negotiation of the
treaty … and do not intend to sign, ratify or ever become party to it."
The treaty will take effect 90 days after 50 U.N. member states have
ratified it.


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