missile tests

The international anti-nuclear organisation, Greenpeace has just announced a team of activists has entered Vandenberg Air Force base where the Pentagon is scheduled to test its proposed Star Wars missile system later today. The activists, moving on foot, entered the base near the launch pad for a Minuteman II, scheduled for blast off at 19:01 this evening.

With people in this part of the base the missile cannot be launched. Equipped with survival gear and supplies for several days, they intend to stay inside the area as long as possible.

WASHINGTON, October 13, 1999 - Greenpeace today condemned the U.S. Senate vote to kill the landmark Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty as a gross dereliction of its duty to protect the public, the planet and future generations. Greenpeace is accusing the U.S. government of acting like a rogue nation rather than a leader on nuclear non-proliferation.

11 October 1999 - Greenpeace is urging the U.S. Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty when it comes up for a vote in the Senate on October 12th. Greenpeace called on governments around the world to take diplomatic measures to encourage U.S. ratification of the treaty.

The Clinton administration in the US has been seeking the approval of the Senate to ratify the CTBT since 1996, while the Republicans have consistently opposed hearings in the Senate with the aim of rejecting ratification of the Treaty.