Asia-Pacific protecting against nuclear terrorism [1]
Tuesday, November 9, 2004 - 14:00. Updated on Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 22:49.
Press Release
Asia-Pacific Nuclear Safeguards and Security Conference: Protecting Against Nuclear Terrorism
Ministerial Meeting, 8 November 2004, Sydney, Australia.
The meeting recognised that a strong nuclear safeguards and security framework was essential to realising the benefits of peaceful use of nuclear energy. It noted that effective nuclear safeguards and security measures were vital not only for countries with nuclear power programs or research reactors, but also for those where radioactive materials are used for medical, industrial and scientific purposes.
The meeting identified two types of threat to nuclear security: the proliferation of nuclear weapons among states, and the potential for terrorist acts involving nuclear facilities and nuclear and radioactive materials. It noted that terrorist groups were known to be interested in acquiring weapons of mass destruction and that nuclear and radiological terrorism posed potentially grave consequences for public health, the environment, economic prosperity, and public confidence. The meeting recognised that nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear disarmament and the peaceful uses of nuclear technology were closely interrelated.
The meeting agreed that participants work together in a sustained and comprehensive effort to expand and enhance the nuclear safeguards and security framework. It identified the following priorities:
Implementing globally the IAEA...s strengthened safeguards system as the current safeguards standard under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The meeting took note of offers of assistance with the conclusion and implementation of the Additional Protocol.
Strengthening the protection of nuclear materials and facilities. The meeting supported early finalisation of work to strengthen the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM). It encouraged wide adherence to the CPPNM, the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management and other relevant international instruments and regulations.
Ensuring the effective control and protection of radioactive sources, consistent with their safe use. The meeting encouraged early adherence to the guidelines in the IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources. It welcomed the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation...s regional outreach and assistance program on the security of radioactive sources, and the IAEA Model Project to Upgrade National Radiation Protection Infrastructures.
Implementing effective domestic controls on nuclear and radioactive materials and relevant equipment and technology, including export controls. The meeting considered that effective domestic controls on sensitive materials, equipment and technology, including trans-shipment and transit measures, were all the more essential in light of known terrorist interest in acquiring WMD. In this regard, the meeting encouraged action on a harmonised basis in accordance with the IAEA Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources, and recognised the importance of the provisions of the Additional Protocol related to the export and import of nuclear equipment. It welcomed the assistance provided by regional governments, notably Japan, Australia and the United States, on strengthening of export controls and state systems of nuclear material accountancy and control.
Ensuring effective national nuclear security capability, including technical capacity for the detection of illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials and relevant equipment and technology. The meeting noted the importance of regional and international cooperation on preventing illicit trafficking including enhanced information-sharing and technical assistance. It recognised the value of cooperation with relevant international bodies and with other countries in strengthening their respective national institutions where necessary.
Early and comprehensive implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540. The meeting welcomed UNSCR 1540 as an important step in combating the proliferation of WMD, in particular to non-state actors, and thus reducing the risk of nuclear and radiological terrorism. It noted the importance of providing international assistance to states lacking the legal and regulatory infrastructure, implementation experience and/or resources to fulfil the resolution...s requirements. The meeting acknowledged the call in UNSCR 1540 for states "... in accordance with their national legal authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, to take cooperative action to prevent illicit trafficking in nuclear ... weapons, their means of delivery, and related materials." The meeting also noted the need for the UNSCR 1540 Committee, the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee and the IAEA to strengthen cooperation in order to bring their respective expertise into full play in a coordinated approach.
Making effective use of the extensive IAEA assistance available in relation to the security of nuclear and radioactive materials. While noting that responsibility in this area rests entirely with states, the meeting acknowledged the IAEA...s important contribution in assisting states meet appropriate safety and security standards.
It was agreed that this statement be circulated at the NPT Review Conference, to be held in New York in May 2005.
Ministers or their representatives participating in the conference were from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, People...s Republic of China, Republic of the Fiji Islands, Republic of Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao People...s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, Republic of Singapore, Thailand, United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Also attending the conference were representatives of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, France, Union of Myanmar, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.