FM(C)T: Elements of the Emerging Consensus

This paper presents the elements of this emerging consensus in order to stimulate further productive discussion of the treaty. It focuses on the points of agreement to illustrate that a number of important issues have already been effectively resolved. Moreover, this approach helps to emphasize the remaining differences and to make clear the nature of the compromises that would be required to successfully negotiate a viable treaty. This analysis deals with those elements of the treaty that have a more technical nature - fissile material production, a verification system and the issue of existing stocks. Several important points, such as the structure of the treaty implementing organization, the enforcement mechanism and the question of entry into force, are not considered. It should be noted, however, that there is agreement on many of those issues as well.