Global Security Newswire

Lithuania has agreed in a new bilateral accord with the United States to take additional steps to counter trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials, including by modifying its criminal code, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday.

This is the 11th such nuclear security agreement between Washington and partner nations.

"The newly signed plan includes steps to enhance Lithuania’s control of its radioactive materials, foster cooperation among its domestic agencies, expand the country’s role as a mentor to regional partners, and review and strengthen the Lithuanian Penal Code to ensure all types of nuclear smuggling cases can be prosecuted," the State Department said. "Lithuania also has established a Nuclear Security Center of Excellence, and the United States is supporting Lithuania’s efforts to develop a counter nuclear smuggling curriculum for this center and host regional training courses."

"This is only the second plan with a European or NATO member country that creates a significant step forward with respect to our ability to be able to stop nuclear smuggling. And it is the second plan of all the 11 that have been signed that actually sets out benchmarks and commitments," Secretary of State John Kerry said at a signing ceremony in Brussels with his Lithuanian opposite, Linas Linkevicius.