IAEA conference presses for greater protection against nuclear terrorism

Countries meeting at the annual conference of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today urged greater protection against the illicit use of nuclear material and the sabotage of nuclear facilities.

"The tragic terrorist attacks on the United States were a wake up call to us all," IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei told the meeting, known as the General Conference. Warning against complacency, he pledged to "increase our efforts on all fronts - from combating illicit trafficking to ensuring the protection of nuclear materials, from nuclear installation design to withstand attacks to improving how we respond to nuclear emergencies."

By the resolution, adopted unanimously, the General Conference called on the Agency to thoroughly review its programmes to see what can be done to enhance security of nuclear material and facilities.

In response to the resolution, Mr. ElBaradei said the Agency would be looking at ways to increase its information, advisory and training functions to help Member States with their nuclear regulatory infrastructure. The Agency would also help protect against theft or sabotage of other radioactive materials and facilities. In addition, IAEA would assist with detection measures used in combating illicit trafficking.

The Director-General sought to ease concerns regarding nuclear safety, pointing out that while no absolute guarantees exist "we should not lose sight that nuclear power plants are among the most secure and robust industrial facilities in the world."