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Countries Seek Greater Nonproliferation Commitment
European, Asian, African and Latin American foreign ministers yesterday called on all countries to sign on to the strengthened safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Financial Times reported (see GSN, May 1, 2003). The call was contained in draft language for the Millennium +5 Summit in New York this September. Chile, Indonesia, Australia, Romania, South Africa, Norway and the United Kingdom issued the draft, according to the Times. The draft language says that IAEA safeguards are “essential for effective verification.” The right to peaceful nuclear energy is emphasized and research into methods to control nuclear materials is urged, according to the Times. Action is recommended against countries that try to leave the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. “A state remains liable for breaches of international obligations undertaken prior to withdrawal. Leaving the treaty must not be considered a viable or consequence-free option,” the draft language states. Finally, the language calls for a treaty banning production of fissile materials used in nuclear weapons, a stop to nuclear test explosions, and steps to prevent a space-based arms race. Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen and U.N. General Assembly President Jean Ping are expected to discuss the proposed summit language next week, according to the Times. Rebecca Johnson, head of the Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy said the language is a step back from commitments made at the 2000 NPT review conference (Mark Turner, Financial Times, July 27).
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