Iraqi officials sign nuclear treaty

BAGHDAD, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization says the Iraqi government has decided to sign an international agreement on nuclear non-proliferation.

The CTBTO announced Tuesday that the Iraqi government had signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Iraq was one of the few remaining larger countries that had not yet signed the CTBT.

Officials say the Iraqi signature means the CTBT has cleared another hurdle toward global acceptance and implementation, the CTBTO reported.

"We welcome the decision by Iraq to sign the CTBT," Tibor Toth, Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization executive secretary, said in a statement.

"This is particularly significant, given the multitude of challenges facing the government of Iraq today: It is a strong political signal for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. My hope is that it will encourage other countries of the region and beyond to follow suit."