Press Release

The spread of weapons of mass destruction is one of the main threats to international and regional security, said the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Alexander Downer MP in Camberra on October 10 when he officially launched a new government publication entitled Weapons of Mass Destruction: Australia's Role in Fighting Proliferation.

Mr Downer said that as irresponsible states and terrorists seek to gain access to devastating weapons, no country is immune to this menace. " Thankfully, our immediate region is free of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. But if we allow some countries to get away with acquiring such weapons, we risk weakening restraints preventing others ...– potentially closer to home ...– from doing the same."

The publication has been prepared with the aim of informing the public about the extent and nature of the contemporary threat posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and sets out the Government's strategy to address the threat.

It states that Al Qaida has made no secret of its ambitions to acquire and use WMD. and that terrorist groups in our own region have similar ambitions.

"The horrific bombings in Bali only strengthen our resolve to keep WMD beyond their reach," Mr Downer said.

"A handful of countries have flouted international norms by developing WMD and missiles for delivering them. Earlier this year, North Korea claimed that it possessed nuclear weapons. Iran is on notice to dispel ambiguity over its nuclear program. Some countries, or rogue elements within them, have even exported their deadly expertise. The AQ Khan nuclear network is a case in point.

Inaction is simply not an option for any nation that values its security and prosperity."

Commitment

The paper, (available on the dfat website) also states that Australia is firmly committed to practical action to stop proliferation, and regards WMD proliferation as an actual threat, not just a potential one.

"It needs to be urgently addressed in comprehensive and proactive ways. Put simply, countries that ignore their non-proliferation obligations must be held to account by the international community. Australia is calling on the UN Security Council to assume greater responsibility in this area and by promoting more stringent safeguards that would provide early warning of covert nuclear activities. Recent undertakings by Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia to conclude Additional Protocols with the International Atomic Energy Agency are especially welcome in this regard. They send a clear signal of strong regional support for strengthened safeguards and their role in enhancing transparency in relation to nuclear activities."