Fifth Anniversary of the Provisional
Technical Secretariat of the CTBTO
Preparatory Commission

The Provisional Technical Secretariat of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) celebrates its fifth anniversary on 17 March 2002. The occasion will be marked with special events at the Vienna International Centre on Monday 18 March. These will include a press and NGO breakfast and a seminar organized by VERTIC, a well-known NGO in the verification field. The seminar, entitled "CTBT Verification: Achievements and Opportunities", will be opened by the Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner. The Secretariat started work in Vienna on 17 March 1997 as the implementing arm of the Preparatory Commission. It is currently establishing the global verification regime stipulated in the Treaty, and is preparing for the Treaty’s entry into force. In the course of the past five years, the Secretariat has developed into a fully-fledged international organization with 271 staff members from 69 Member States.

For further information on the CTBTO, please see www.ctbto.org or contact:
Annika Thunborg, Chief, Public Information  
T    +43 1 26030-6375  
E    annika.thunborg@ctbto.org
M    +43 699 1459 6375       
I    www.ctbto.org