Eight countries which have so far failed to ratify a Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty are holding the international community “hostage”.

That’s according to Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

He took part in an informal meeting organized by the General Assembly at UN Headquarters on Wednesday, to mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests earlier this week.

Speaking in a UN interview, he welcomed President Barack Obama’s effort to secure a new Security Council resolution for an end to nuclear testing.

The United States Congress is one of the legislatures that has yet to ratify the treaty.

Jerome Bernard asked Mr Zerbo what had been achieved in the 20 years since the treaty was first adopted.

Duration: 3’41”