CTBTO prepares for exercise

SEMIPALATINSK, Kazakhstan, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization is going over the remaining details before the approaching nuclear verification exercise in Kazakhstan.

Officials say the Integrated Field Exercise 2008, lasting the month of September, is the largest inspection exercise of the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO that has ever been conducted. The CTBTO is working on the remaining details in preparation for the exercise that will be held at the former Soviet nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk, the CTBTO reported.

With more than 200 participants from around the world expected to participate, officials say a successful exercise is important to test the readiness of procedures and methods for on-site inspections before the CTBTO Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty enters into force.

"What counts is to show the world that the CTBT's verification system really works," Tibor Toth, CTBTO executive secretary, said in a statement.

"The Integrated Field Exercise is a major priority for us in 2008. It's important for preparing for the entry into force of the CTBT."