STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

     Former Chairman of the Joint Chief's of Staff General John M.
Shalikashvili and I met this morning to discuss his report concerning
the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).  The report argues
persuasively that ratifying the CTBT would increase our national
security, and that the security benefits of the Treaty outweigh any
perceived disadvantages.

     The report's recommendations address concerns raised during the
October 1999 Senate debate over CTBT.  I urge Congress and the
incoming Bush Administration to act on them.

     I also hope the Senate will take up the Treaty at an early date as a
critical component of a bipartisan non-proliferation policy.  CTBT is
supported by our friends and allies overseas, and designed to reduce
existing nuclear dangers as well as those that might emerge in the
future.

     I commend General Shalikashvili for his thorough and rigorous
report and his continued service to the nation.

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