Stop The Bombs International Peace Walk Glossary

NPT NPR Y-12

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)       By 1964, there were five declared nuclear weapons states -- the United States, the former Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France and China. Many predicted that the nuclear club could grow to 20-30 countries within two decades.    In 1965, the Geneva Disarmament Conference began consideration of a draft non-proliferation treaty.    The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed at Washington, London and Moscow July 1st, 1968.    On March 5th, 1970 it began to be enforced. However, some important members of the international community did not embrace the NPT in 1970.    There were many questions. Would it's terms be honored? Would the inspections of civil nuclear facilities lead to commercial esponage? Would others join the Treaty? Would it provide real benefits? Top

Nuclear Posture Review (NPR)    On 2002, the U.S. released a Nuclear Posture Review which shifted their prior perspective regarding nuclear weapons, signaling an unfortunate reversal of longstanding policy. This ended the taboo against nuclear weapons by including them in the full range of weapons to be used against countries which the U.S. has major disagreements.    The NPR undermines the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT), which 187 countires have signed and that commits the five major nuclear weapons states(the U.S., Russia, China, France and the UK) to eventual nuclear disarmament.    The Pentagon plan signals a new nuclear build-up that will undercut the U.S. diplomatic efforts focused on stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons to terrorists or hostile states.    The few countries already developing nuclear weapons will become more determined to do so. Countries that have agreed not to develop nuclear weapons under the NPT, already distressed by a growing trend of U.S. unilateralism, may abandon the treaty in the face of a U.S. buildup. Top

Y-12 National Security Complex Oak Ridge Tennessee, USA       In 2004, the Y12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge Tennessee, produces components for the life extension upgrade of the W76(Trident) warhead under the Stockpile Life Extension Program. W76 warheads are being dismantled, aging parts are replaced or refurbished, and the reassembled warhead is certified to be reliable of 100-120 years.    Last year, Y12 completed life extension upgrades on every W87(MX missle) warhead in the US arsenal. When the W76 work is finished Y12 will begin upgrading the B61 bomb. Y12 makes the thermnuclear part of the bomb. Clearly, upgrading our nuclear arsenal to extend the life of warheads for 100 years violates the US obligation, under Article 6 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, to pursue complete disarmament "at an early date". Top