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Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Leaders agree to secure N-material in 4 years* Washington summit agrees to reduce threat of nuclear terrorism, stresses upon cooperation to prevent illicit nuclear trafficking
* Backs nuclear role of IAEAWASHINGTON: A 47-nation summit in Washington on Tuesday agreed to lock up the world’s most vulnerable nuclear materials within four years to prevent terrorists from setting off a global “catastrophe”.
The unprecedented gathering met the challenge posed by US President Barack Obama who said the world was littered with poorly guarded fissile material that militant groups could use to build a horrific weapon.
“We welcome and join President Obama’s call to secure all vulnerable nuclear material in four years, as we work together to enhance nuclear security,” the leaders said in a joint communique due to be released shortly and seen by AFP.
They outlined measures to combat nuclear trafficking, including sharing information and expertise in detection, forensics and law enforcement.
Cooperation: The leaders said they “recognise the need for cooperation among states to effectively prevent and respond to incidents of illicit nuclear trafficking”.
Role: They also underscored that the “essential role” in combating nuclear proliferation rests with the UN watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
At the same time, the summit participants said increased security must “not infringe upon the rights of states to develop and utilise nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and technology”.
Hosting the largest summit in the United States for more than six decades, Obama also pressed China to back UN sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear power programme.
Amid mixed signals from Beijing, Chinese President Hu Jintao told the summit that Beijing “firmly” opposes atomic weapons proliferation, while backing civilian uses.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced plans to spend up to $2.5 billion to dispose of plutonium from its massive defence programme. afp
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk