Menu
06/02/2004
Black market in nuclear technology must be stopped: IAEA
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency has called for "urgent action" against nuclear proliferation black marketeers, warning that recent cases of covert trading were "just the tip of the iceberg".
The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, told an international expert seminar in Vienna that the system in place to prevent underground trafficking was "not working". He said that the international community must close "serious gaps in controls" on exports of sensitive nuclear material and equipment.
Mr ElBaradei stressed that more resources were needed to follow through on examining a "chain of activity" in the nuclear black market and to make sure such cases are not repeated.
It was the second time in three days that the IAEA has sought to drawn attention to the illicit trading of nuclear technology. On Tuesday the agency issued a statement for a “vital” security upgrade to prevent nuclear technology from falling into the wrong hands through the "emerging global network of the sophisticated black market".
Mr ElBaradei also urged cutting the number of nuclear weapons from the current 30,000, and said an "inclusive, universal system of nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament" was the only way forward.
On the nuclear fuel cycle, Mr ElBaradei said it was time to limit the processing of weapon-usable material (separated plutonium and enriched uranium) in civilian nuclear programmes, as well as the production of new material through reprocessing and enrichment by restricting such operations exclusively to facilities under multinational control.
Consideration should also be given to multinational approaches to the management and disposal of spent fuel and radioactive waste, he added.
(gmcg)
The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, told an international expert seminar in Vienna that the system in place to prevent underground trafficking was "not working". He said that the international community must close "serious gaps in controls" on exports of sensitive nuclear material and equipment.
Mr ElBaradei stressed that more resources were needed to follow through on examining a "chain of activity" in the nuclear black market and to make sure such cases are not repeated.
It was the second time in three days that the IAEA has sought to drawn attention to the illicit trading of nuclear technology. On Tuesday the agency issued a statement for a “vital” security upgrade to prevent nuclear technology from falling into the wrong hands through the "emerging global network of the sophisticated black market".
Mr ElBaradei also urged cutting the number of nuclear weapons from the current 30,000, and said an "inclusive, universal system of nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament" was the only way forward.
On the nuclear fuel cycle, Mr ElBaradei said it was time to limit the processing of weapon-usable material (separated plutonium and enriched uranium) in civilian nuclear programmes, as well as the production of new material through reprocessing and enrichment by restricting such operations exclusively to facilities under multinational control.
Consideration should also be given to multinational approaches to the management and disposal of spent fuel and radioactive waste, he added.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 April 2004
Sellafield set to reduce radioactive discharges
Sellafield, the British Nuclear Fuels-run power station in Cumbria, is set to cut discharges of a certain type of radioactive material by 90% – waste matter which had been pumped into the Irish Sea.
Sellafield set to reduce radioactive discharges
Sellafield, the British Nuclear Fuels-run power station in Cumbria, is set to cut discharges of a certain type of radioactive material by 90% – waste matter which had been pumped into the Irish Sea.
04 December 2006
PM unveils nuclear weapons plans
Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the Commons that the UK's current Trident missile system will have to be replaced. Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr Blair said that the decision to maintain the government's independent nuclear power deterrent was "fully consistent with all our international obligations".
PM unveils nuclear weapons plans
Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the Commons that the UK's current Trident missile system will have to be replaced. Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr Blair said that the decision to maintain the government's independent nuclear power deterrent was "fully consistent with all our international obligations".
08 March 2004
UN atomic watchdog voices 'concern' over Iran's disclosure gaps
The UN's atomic watchdog agency has today voiced "serious concern" over gaps in Tehran’s declaration of nuclear activities and called on it to take the “vital” initiative to provide all relevant information "fully and promptly" in the coming months.
UN atomic watchdog voices 'concern' over Iran's disclosure gaps
The UN's atomic watchdog agency has today voiced "serious concern" over gaps in Tehran’s declaration of nuclear activities and called on it to take the “vital” initiative to provide all relevant information "fully and promptly" in the coming months.
17 February 2004
Nuclear watchdog chief to return to Libya
The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog agency has confirmed that he will visit Libya next week to ensure that its nuclear programme has been placed on an exclusively peaceful footing. The Director-General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, will meet with senior Libyan officials on February 23 and 24.
Nuclear watchdog chief to return to Libya
The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog agency has confirmed that he will visit Libya next week to ensure that its nuclear programme has been placed on an exclusively peaceful footing. The Director-General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, will meet with senior Libyan officials on February 23 and 24.
02 November 2004
Iran urged to suspend nuclear activities
The UN nuclear watchdog agency has called on Iran to suspend activities related to uranium enrichment and reprocessing.
Iran urged to suspend nuclear activities
The UN nuclear watchdog agency has called on Iran to suspend activities related to uranium enrichment and reprocessing.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
