U.N. General Assembly Backs Nuclear Terrorism Treaty

The U.N. General Assembly today approved by consensus a treaty that would require member nations to enact laws against unauthorized possession of nuclear devices and radioactive materials, Reuters reported (see GSN, April 4).

The Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism is the first U.N. antiterrorism convention completed since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to Reuters. It mandates prosecution or extradition of individuals who illicitly possess nuclear materials, as well as those who threaten others while possessing such materials.

“We urge member states to sign the convention when it is open for signature in September and to ratify it as soon as possible,” said U.S. delegate Stuart Holliday.

Twenty-two nations must ratify the pact before it becomes international law. It is set to be open for signature on Sept. 14, according to Reuters (Evelyn Leopold, Reuters, April 13).

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