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Clinton bans

nuclear tests

WASHINGTON: President Clinton has decided to ban US nuclear weapons tests despite advice from some of his senior advisers that small-scale underground blasts would help keep the US arsenal in top condition, senior administration officials said Friday.

An announcement was expected, probably later in the day.

The president's decision is likely to spur efforts in Geneva to negotiate an international ban on nuclear weapons tests. Supporters of a total ban had argued any testing by the United States would encourage other nations to pursue a nuclear weapons programme.-APP