Washington, Apr 14: The Nuclear Security Summit today came out with a detailed plan of action to secure all loose nuclear material in the next four years and to prevent terrorist outfits like Al-Qaeda from laying a hand on atomic weapons.
 However, the seven-page joint communiqué, which lays out detailed work plan for these countries, is not a binding document.
 The communiqué issued at the end of the Summit which saw the participation of 47 countries constitutes a political commitment by the participating countries on a “voluntary basis” the actionable portions of this work plan.
 “We welcome and join President Obama’s call to secure all vulnerable nuclear material in four years, as we work together to enhance security,” the communiqué said.
 Recognizing the importance of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism as an important legally binding multilateral instrument addressing threats posed by acts of terrorism, the countries agreed to work together to achieve universality of the Convention as soon as possible.
 According to the work plan, the participating countries will work towards the universal adherence and where applicable to accelerate the ratification process of the amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
 Noting the need to fully implement the UN Security Council resolution in this regard on preventing non-State actors from obtaining weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials, in particular as it relates to the nuclear material, the participating countries agreed to continue to work with the UNSC in this regard.
 Acknowledging the central role of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the work plan said the participating countries would welcome its effort to assist states to develop, upon request, Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plans to consolidate their nuclear security needs into integrated plans for nuclear security improvements and assistance.
 Recognizing state’s right to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purpose, the work plan said the countries would consider, where appropriate, the consolidation of national sites where nuclear material is held and will continue to exercise particular care in ensuring the safe, secure and timely removal and disposition of nuclear materials from facilities no longer using them.
 “Participating States will continue to exercise particular care in securing and accounting for separated plutonium, taking into consideration the potential of various forms for use in a nuclear explosion device,” it said.
 The countries would also consider converting highly-enriched-uranium fueled research reactors, and other nuclear facilities using highly enriched uranium, to use low enriched uranium, where it is technically and economically feasible.
 Mindful of the responsibilities of the countries to maintain effective nuclear security and a robust domestic capacity, the work plan said that these countries will establish and maintain effective national nuclear security regulations, including the periodic review and adjustment of the regulations as considered appropriate.
 Understanding the role of the nuclear industry, including the private sector, in nuclear security and recognizing that national government are responsible for standard setting within each state, the work plan said the countries would work to promote and sustain strong nuclear security culture and corporate commitment to implement robust security practices, including regular exercises and performance testing of nuclear security, features, consistent with national regulations.
(PTI)

Lastupdate on : Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST