Canada is optimistic that participants at the Article XIV conference will address the myriad factors and varying circumstances in reaching consensus on a series of measures that will expedite ratification. Seeking to ensure the success of the conference, Canada has already raised a number of technical and political suggestions that we believe could usefully supplement national initiatives in accelerating the ratification process. For example, Canada has suggested the establishment of regional focal points to assist states in establishing the government bodies responsible for ensuring national compliance with the Treaty. These focal points could also render legal and technical assistance to signatories in drafting the complex domestic legislation and regulations that would enable ratification. We would encourage an even greater facilitation role for the PTS in the future.
National efforts are also of course important.
In this respect, I have written to many of my counterparts in countries that have not signed and ratified the Treaty, urging them to do so. Canada has also provided practical support to those states that may face obstacles in making the necessary domestic arrangements for implementation. We have distributed our Agreement as a model for other states considering the creation of their own CTBT National Authorities. Active consideration is also being given to the creation of a special fund to provide technical assistance in this area to developing countries. While the Article XIV conference will need to decide on various forms of encouragement and assistance to the ratification process, Canada is under no illusion that the inaugural Article XIV Conference will manage to craft solutions to all the various problems that are delaying implementation of the Treaty.