|
|
|
|
  |
 |
 |
 |
|  | Liaison Newsletter > LIAISON Vol. 2, No. 6, November 1998 - Articles
Nuclear Weapons Abolition on Canada's Human Security Agenda? If you ever wanted to affect government policy on nuclear weapons, now may be the time. The Parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs dealing with the nuclear weapons issue is now expected to release its report at the end of November. But what is new is that there are indications that Canada may be willing to openly support the New Agenda Coalition, a coalition of governments wanting to press for the beginning of negotiations to abolish nuclear weapons. The NAC takes its inspiration in part from the 1996 World Court Opinion that confirmed that nuclear weapons abolition was a legal obligation of governments and that completion of that process should begin as soon as possible. Canada has supported the World Court Opinion at the General Assembly, but voted against beginning immediate negotiations for abolition -- two positions that are, not surprisingly, seen as contradictory. When the Middle Powers Initiative, led by UNA-Canada’s former National President Senator Doug Roche, met with Minister Axworthy earlier this fall, they (and Hollywood celebrity Michael Douglas) were given a particularly hospitable reception, and then were ushered in to meet Prime Minister Chretien as well. Abolitionists believe this is a good omen. Press reports also suggest that the U.S. State Department is putting pressure on Canada to not call for "No First Use" of nuclear weapons within NATO. To date NATO solidarity has been firm, although a public crack appeared when two NATO members abstained during the UN General Assembly vote last year calling for the immediate commencement of negotiations towards abolition. In NATO circles, an abstention is as good as a nay. "No First Use" policy is considered a partial but very significant gesture, particularly from within NATO. If no first use policy was agreed to by all nuclear states, the argument goes, then a reason for defensive use will not exist (assuming proliferation can be monitored and nipped.)If first use is impossible, then possession is even less rational and complete abolition can continue in earnest. Momentum is everything. Right now, more than 90% of Canadians want Canada to openly support, and in fact to lead, the campaign for a ban on nuclear weapons. If Canada is contemplating either of these bold measures, it is thought that Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy may be waiting for your fax in support. Send him your encouragement. You can fax him by email by placing (all of) this in the "to:" line of your emailer: remote-printer.Lloyd_Axworthy@16139963443.iddd.tpc.int Or mail him a letter: |
