21.   India on Monday renewed its offer to sign a protocol for a nuclear weapons-free zone in Asia, whenever such a treaty comes into existence.

22.   It has also promised to stop testing when the treaty comes into effect.

23.   Secretary General of the German Greens, Rheinhard Butikofer, told The Associated Press he was optimistic the treaty would come into force.

24.   The ABM treaty did not come up at all, officials said.

25.   The international treaty comes into effect on Thursday and both countries have warships on manoeuvres in the Aegean, raising fears of a further increase in tension.

26.   The long-delayed friendship treaty came two days after Ukraine initialed a special partnership deal with NATO.

27.   The treaty comes into effect immediately although in some countries, legislative approval is needed.

28.   The treaty comes into effect after all countries ratify it, and it lasts indefinitely.

29.   The treaty comes amid increased conflicts over diminishing resources.