Assembly urges support for UN atomic energy agency to thwart nuclear-related terrorism

The United Nations General Assembly today urged countries to support the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in preventing acts of terrorism committed with nuclear and other radioactive materials.

The appeal came in a resolution adopted by the Assembly by a vote of 150 in favour, one against (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), and two abstentions (Côte d'Ivoire and Lao People's Democratic Republic).

The text also called on all States in the Middle East to fully apply IAEA safeguards to all nuclear activities, adhere to international non-proliferation regimes and set up a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region.

In other action this morning, the Assembly welcomed Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report, "Road map towards the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration," and recommended that it be considered a useful guide. The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to prepare an annual report, as well as comprehensive five-year reports, on progress achieved towards implementing the Declaration's goals.

Other resolutions adopted by the Assembly concerned government support in promoting and consolidating new or restored democracies, and the return or restitution of cultural property to countries of origin.

The Assembly also considered the report of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Introducing the report, Council President Martin Belinga-Eboutou of Cameroon, said the body had devoted much time to systematically following up development activities in the 1990s. The eradication of poverty had remained its top priority, which had made Africa the core of its concerns.

Globalization had also become one of the most decisive factors in decision making, he stressed, adding that ECOSOC should have a more prominent role in future debates on globalization, and should also involve itself in conflict resolution and re-establishing peace.