"I urge both countries now to take the necessary steps to sign and ratify the ctbt as soon as possible and without any conditions," Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said welcoming the indication by New Delhi and islamabad to sign the treaty before september 1999.

"The intention by India and Pakistan to adhere to the CTBT is gratifying. But Australia has a firm expectation that both countries will make further moves to demonstrate clear support for the international nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime," he said.

Downer said the statements made by the prime ministers of india and Pakistan at the UN General Assembly vindicated once again the value of CTBT as a benchmark of internationally acceptable behaviour in the area of nuclear testing.

"Ratification of the CTBT by India and Pakistan would be a critical stepalong the path towards bringing the treaty into force," he said.

"In condemning the nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan earlier this year, Australia called on both countries to desist from any further testing and sign and ratify the ctbt as soon as possible. I am gratified that the two countrDies appear to be beginning to listen to the clear message from Australia and the overwhelming majority of the international community," Downer said.

Under the terms of the treaty, 44 specified countries, including India and akistan, must ratify the treaty before it can come into force. One hundred fifty countries have signed the CTBT, and of these, 21 have ratified it. Australia ratified the treaty in July this year.