More action needed to curb threat of nuclear terrorism, UN watchdog warns

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http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=23823&Cr=nuclear&Cr1=

More action needed to curb threat of nuclear terrorism, UN watchdog warns

IAEA General Conference 2007

17 September 2007 – Stepping up his fight to reinforce nuclear security and prevent nuclear terrorism, the head of the United Nations atomic watchdog agency today called on all countries to ratify an international agreement strengthening the protection of nuclear materials.

“Out of 128 States Parties, only 11 so far have accepted the amendment,” UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mohamed ElBaradei told the Agency’s annual General Conference in Vienna.

“I would urge all States Parties to do so,” he said referring to an amendment to the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, aimed at preventing nuclear and radioactive materials from falling into the hands of terrorists. The Amendment on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material seeks to strenghtent hese safeguards.

“With the renewed interest in nuclear power generation, comparable attention and commitment must be given to ensuring the nuclear safety and security infrastructure that must go with it,” Mr. ElBaradei added, noting that three strong factors are driving a renewed global interest in nuclear power – steady growth in energy demand, increasing concerns about energy security, and the challenge of climate change.

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