Senator Nunn is one of the world's most respected security experts. As we launch this effort, I would like to state that I, personally, advocate the complete elimination of all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, as quickly as possible. If fewer is better, than zero is best. This aspiration is by no means quixotic. Every US President since Johnson has pledged to work toward the elimination of nuclear weapons, as dictated by the Nonproliferation Treaty.
Great nations keep their word.
And I, for one, will continue to push the US to fulfill this pledge. Nevertheless, this is not the charge I have asked Sam to accept. For that undertaking, there should be the broadest possible support. The Initiative's efforts aim to be a catalyst for action both in the US and around the world. We should not miss this opportunity to make this a safer world.