NPT 68-70
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
The treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT) is an international treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and related technologies, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. Opened for signature in 1968, the Treaty entered into force in March 1970. On 11 May 1995, the Treaty was extended. A total of 190 parties have joined the Treaty, including the five nuclear-weapon states. Under the treaty, the five nuclear-weapons states commit to pursue general and complete disarmament, while the non-nuclear-weapon states agree to forgo developing or acquiring nuclear weapons. To further the goal of non-proliferation the Treaty established a safeguards system under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These Safeguards verify compliance with the Treaty through inspections and prevent the diversion of fissile material for weapons use.