IAEA Director General Addresses Efforts to Protect Against Nuclear Terrorism Before UN General Assembly

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, said October 22 in New York that the September 11 attacks on the United States had been a "wake-up call" to everyone that more can and must be done to bolster security as an integral part of the management of national nuclear programmes. In support of that effort, he had already initiated a thorough review of all IAEA activities and programmes relevant to preventing acts of terrorism involving nuclear and other radioactive materials.

Presenting the IAEA Annual Report before the UN General Assembly, Dr. ElBaradei said: "The Agency is engaged in a variety of activities relevant to combating nuclear terrorism - including programmes to ensure physical security, to help prevent and respond to illicit trafficking of nuclear material and other radioactive sources, to promote the safety of nuclear facilities, to safeguard nuclear material against non-peaceful uses, and to respond to emergencies."

Each of these programmes was being reviewed in-depth to identify additional measures that need to be taken in the light of recent events. In particular, expanding the scope and reach of many of the Agency's security and safety services was being considered. Also, existing conventions and guidelines - including the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material - would be examined to ensure that they were comprehensive and effective, and efforts would be redoubled to ensure their universal application.

The Director General added: "To enable the Agency to assist States that lack the resources to upgrade their security systems, we are also exploring the feasibility of establishing a Fund for Protection Against Nuclear Terrorism. I trust that, in the light of the current threats, the development of an effective global system for protection against nuclear theft, sabotage and terrorism will be given the priority it deserves by all concerned. These are unconventional threats that require unconventional responses."

The Director General then went on to describe the Agency's ongoing activities designed: to bring about the development and transfer of peaceful nuclear technologies; to build and maintain a global nuclear safety regime; and to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons while ensuring security of nuclear material and facilities.