UN calls for global efforts to ban n-tests

The UN has stressed on the importance of a global ban on nuclear tests, while calling for international efforts to achieve the goal of a safer and more secure world.

Marking the International Day against Nuclear Tests, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the importance of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in his message, Xinhua reported Thursday.

"It is time to avert any more of the horrific human and environmental effects caused by nuclear tests through a global ban, the most reliable means possible to meet this challenge," Ban said.

Calling for maintenance and implementation of moratoria on nuclear explosions, the UN chief said: "There are no justifiable grounds for further delay in achieving this great goal."

"Let us work together to end nuclear weapons testing and achieve a world free of nuclear weapons."

The UN General Assembly has chosen Aug 29 as the annual commemoration date since 1991 when Semipalatinsk, one of the world's largest test sites located in north-eastern Kazakhstan, was closed permanently.