Nuclear DisarmamentThe Role of International Safeguards

In 1995, when its validity was going to expire after twentyfive years, it became necessary to decide upon the future of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). At the review and extension conference held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, something extraordinary happened, when it was decided to extend the validity of the NPT without time limit. This decision was linked to the conditions laid down in the “Principles and Objectives” of the final document. One essential element is related to the reduction of the nuclear arsenals in the nuclear-weapon states. This nuclear disarmament would have to take place under international control matching with the vision of the international nuclear safeguards in the non-nuclear-weapon states. With view to the next NPT Review Conference, which will take place in less than three years, it is interesting to look at the s t atus of nuclear disarmament in the nuclear-weapon states, its control and interface with the international safeguards executed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).