Secretary General Boutrous-Ghali commended the United Nations for adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, spoke about the safety of the world and declared the treaty open for signing. Following the speech, President Clinton was the first to sign the global pact in a ceremony during the opening session the United Nations. President Clinton sat in the front row during Secretary General Boutrous-Ghali’s speech, then was conducted to a desk on the other side of the room to sign the treaty. Officials from China, France, Russia, and other countries were also shown signing the treaty. President Clinton did not speak during the ceremony, although he stood in the back with other U.S. officials and applauded each signature.