Mr. Speaker, there has been a global outpouring of concern and disappointment regarding the American Senate's rejection of the comprehensive test ban treaty on nuclear weapons.
The abandonment of American leadership on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation is a distressing development in the already challenging struggle to achieve a universal commitment to non-proliferation.
The American Senate's abdication of its crucial global leadership role undermines international efforts to persuade Russia, China and other nuclear powers to ratify the treaty. The disappointment which has been expressed by America's allies and rivals alike is a testament to the importance of the leadership role which the United States must take on this issue.
International support for this treaty remains strong. As Canadians, our efforts must be concentrated on encouraging the eventual adoption of the treaty by the United States. We must also convince our American neighbours that international peace and security are not served by a new form of U.S. isolationism.