The difficulties surrounding the entry-into-force of the CTBT, which have become more pressing after the refusal of the American Senate to ratify the treaty, have their origin in divergent perceptions of different groups of states about the relationship between the NPT and the CTBT in terms of non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament. Still, preparations for the implementation of the treaty continue unabated. It can be upheld that given the current legal status of the CTBT there already exists a prohibition on the carrying out of nuclear test explosions anywhere for all States Signatories of the CTBT, at least as long as they have not indicated not to become a Party to the treaty.