Joint Statements
Announcing the Global Initiative To Combat Nuclear Terrorism
The White House
Joint Statement by U.S. President George Bush and Russian Federation President V.V. Putin
St. Petersburg, Russia
July 15, 2006
The United States of America and Russia are committed to combating the threat of nuclear terrorism, which is one of the most dangerous international security challenges we face.
Today we announce our decision to launch the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. Building on our earlier work, the Global Initiative reflects our intention to pursue the necessary steps with all those who share our views to prevent the acquisition, transport, or use by terrorists of nuclear materials and radioactive substances or improvised explosive devices using such materials, as well as hostile actions against nuclear facilities. These objectives are reflected in the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities as amended in 2005, the Protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, and other international legal frameworks relevant to combating nuclear terrorism.
The United States and Russia call upon like-minded nations to expand and accelerate efforts that develop partnership capacity to combat nuclear terrorism on a determined and systematic basis. Together with other participating countries and interacting closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), we will take steps to improve participants' capabilities to: ensure accounting, control, and physical protection of nuclear material and radioactive substances, as well as security of nuclear facilities; detect and suppress illicit trafficking or other illicit activities involving such materials, especially measures to prevent their acquisition and use by terrorists; respond to and mitigate the consequences of acts of nuclear terrorism; ensure cooperation in the development of technical means to combat nuclear terrorism; ensure that law enforcement takes all possible measures to deny safe haven to terrorists seeking to acquire or use nuclear materials; and strengthen our respective national legal frameworks to ensure the effective prosecution of, and the certainty of punishment for, terrorists and those who facilitate such acts.
We stress that consolidated efforts and cooperation to combat the threat of nuclear terrorism will be carried out in accordance with international law and national legislation. This Global Initiative builds on the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which Russia and the United States were the first to sign on September 14, 2005. This unique international treaty provides for broad areas of cooperation between states for the purpose of detecting, preventing, suppressing, and investigating acts of nuclear terrorism.
One of our priority objectives remains full implementation by all countries of the provisions of UNSCR 1540, which was adopted in 2004 as a result of joint efforts by the United States and Russia. This resolution is an important non-proliferation instrument aimed at preventing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) from entering "black market" networks and, above all, keeping WMD and related material from falling into the hands of terrorists. The full implementation by all countries of UNSCR 1373, including the sharing of information pertaining to the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism and their facilitation, also remains a priority.
We note the importance of IAEA activities in implementing the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Facilities, as amended and its Plan entitled "Physical Nuclear Security - Measures to Protect Against Nuclear Terrorism," and we reaffirm our willingness to continue supporting and working with the IAEA in this area to enhance the effectiveness of national systems for accounting, control, physical protection of nuclear materials and radioactive substances, and the security of civilian nuclear facilities, and, where necessary, to establish such systems.
We trust that, through their participation in this new Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, all countries that share our common goals of suppressing and mitigating the consequences of acts of nuclear terrorism will - on a voluntary basis and on the basis of independent responsibility of each country for the steps taken within its jurisdiction - reinforce the joint efforts to increase international cooperation in combating this threat.
The United States and the Russian Federation reaffirm that issues related to safeguarding nuclear weapons and other nuclear facilities, installations and materials used for military purposes remain strictly the national prerogative of the nuclear weapons state parties to the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT), for which they bear special responsibility. The Joint Statement on Nuclear Security, which we adopted in Bratislava, noted that while the security of nuclear facilities in the United States and Russian Federation meets current requirements, these requirements must be constantly enhanced to counter evolving terrorist threats. We trust that the other nuclear weapon state parties to the NPT will also ensure a proper level of protection for their nuclear facilities, while taking into account the constantly changing nature of the terrorist threat.
As part of this initiative, we intend to work with countries possessing sensitive nuclear technologies to reaffirm their commitment to take all necessary measures to ensure proper protection and safeguarding of nuclear facilities and relevant materials in their territory.
We will be prepared to work with all those who share our views to strengthen mechanisms for multilateral and bilateral cooperation to suppress acts of nuclear terrorism, with a view to practical implementation of the measures provided for in the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism as well as in other relevant international legal frameworks.
Fact Sheet
Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
Washington, DC
November 7, 2006
Partner Nations Endorse Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism Statement of Principles
Representatives of thirteen nations endorsed the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism Statement of Principles at the Initiative's first meeting on October 30-31, 2006. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Robert Joseph led the U.S. interagency delegation. The United States, the Russian Federation, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Turkey, and the United Kingdom participated in the first meeting in Rabat, Morocco. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also attended as an observer.
Presidents Bush and Putin jointly announced the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism on July 15, 2006 on the eve of the G8 Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia. Presidents Bush and Putin have committed to combating the threat of nuclear terrorism and pursuing the necessary steps with other willing partner nations to combat nuclear terrorism.
The Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism demonstrates partner nations' commitment to build collective and individual capacity to combat the global threat of nuclear terrorism. In their endorsement of the Statement of Principles, partner nations commit to:
• improve accounting of and security on radioactive and nuclear materials;
• enhance security at civilian nuclear facilities;
• improve detection of nuclear and radioactive materials to prevent illicit trafficking;
• improve capabilities to search and confiscate unlawfully held nuclear or radioactive substances or devices using them;
• leverage response, mitigation, and investigation capabilities in case of a terrorist attack;
• develop technical means to identify nuclear or other radioactive materials and substances that are or may be involved in a terrorist incident;
• prevent the provision of safe haven to terrorists and financial or economic resources to terrorists seeking to acquire or use nuclear or radioactive materials;
• improve national legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure appropriate criminal and civil liability for terrorists who commit acts of nuclear terrorism; and
• promote greater information sharing pertaining to acts of nuclear terrorism.
Following on the success of the first meeting, partners agreed to meet again in February of 2007 in Turkey. At this meeting, partner nations will review the progress of the Initiative, consider an initial Plan of Work, and take steps to broaden participation in the Initiative. Partner nations seek the support of all nations that are actively committed to combating nuclear terrorism and endorsement of the Statement of Principles.
With the launch of the Initiative, participating nations have taken a critical step toward developing a global network of partner nations working to prevent terrorists from acquiring and using a nuclear weapon. As a demonstration of this resolve, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism represents an important achievement in our common mission to fight terrorism worldwide and further enhance international peace and security.
Partner nations participate in Global Initiative aims consistent with national legal authorities and obligations they have under relevant international legal frameworks, notably the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 Amendment, United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1540.
Second Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism
Joint Statement of the Co-Chairmen
Ankara, Turkey
February 12, 2007
We remain deeply concerned by the growing risk of nuclear terrorism and determined to combat this threat. Today, many of the world's leading nations met to further cooperation to address one of the pre-eminent threats of the 21st century: the threat of nuclear terrorism. In this second meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, we have taken important steps toward deepening our cooperation in this vital area. We are pleased with the work that has occurred thus far and look forward to expanding participation in the Initiative to include many other nations without importing any political problems into the process. Today's discussions build on the specific steps nations have taken to implement the commitments made during the first meeting of the Initiative held in Rabat, Morocco on October 30-31, 2006.
Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States reviewed the specific activities they intend to host during 2007-2008 as part of the Plan of Work established for the Initiative. These activities are intended to:
• Strengthen material accounting, control, and physical protection;
• Enhance civilian nuclear facility security;
• Research and develop interoperable national detection capabilities;
• Strengthen search, confiscation, and safe control capabilities;
• Prevent safe haven and the financing of nuclear terrorism;
• Strengthen criminal and civil legal frameworks;
• Improve response, investigation, and mitigation capabilities; and
• Promote information sharing among participants.
The International Atomic Energy Agency attended the meeting as an observer and shared with the participants information about its main activities planned for 2007.
Participants also reviewed the importance of developing and sharing best practices among participants that result from these activities, as well as planning scenarios to support the development of future multinational training exercises to combat nuclear terrorism for the Plan of Work.
Participants also emphasized the importance of broadening the initiative immediately following the meeting to include nations committed to combating nuclear terrorism, who endorse the Statement of Principles, and are willing to contribute to the activities of the Initiative. Participants that are hosting activities listed in the Global Initiative Plan of Work are encouraged to include new partner nations in their activities, upon receipt of their written endorsement of the Statement of Principles by the U.S. and/or Russia. Partner nations also discussed the importance of outreach to industry and the public, and welcomed statements of support for the Initiative from private sector organizations and local governments as well as their participation - as possible and/or appropriate - in expert-level activities.
Participants will meet again in Kazakhstan in June 2007 to review the progress of Global Initiative activities, to take specific steps to address gaps in implementation, and to welcome new partner nations whose endorsements have been received by the U.S. and/or Russia prior to the meeting.
Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
June 12, 2007
Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism: Joint Statement
Following is the Joint Statement issued by U.S. Assistant Secretary John C. Rood and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak, Chairmen of the third meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, upon the conclusion of the June 11-12 meeting hosted by the Government of Kazakhstan: Partners in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism met in Astana, Kazakhstan on June 11-12, 2007. The participants expressed their appreciation to the Government of Kazakhstan for hosting this important meeting and its excellent nonproliferation and counterterrorism record. The Astana meeting was the third meeting of the Global Initiative, consolidating and building on the foundations constructed during previous meetings.
Global Initiative partners first met in Rabat, Morocco, on October 30-31, 2006, to establish a Statement of Principles to combat nuclear terrorism. We gathered in Ankara, Turkey, on February 12-13, 2007, to reaffirm our commitment and further develop a full stale of activities to build the capabilities of participating nations and to take advantage of synergies created through multilateral cooperation. To date, fifty-one partner nations have endorsed the Statement of Principles and are participants in the Global Initiative. Representatives from thirty-eight nations attended the meeting in Kazakhstan, as well as observers from the International Atomic Energy Agency and the European Union.
Outreach
We are pleased by the large increase in participation in the Global Initiative at this meeting. The expanded participation demonstrates the strong desire of the international community to combat nuclear terrorism and the readiness to strengthen our capacity to prevent the acquisition of nuclear materials and know-how by terrorists.
A Strong Work Program
As a demonstration of the active nature of the Global Initiative, partners linked up with the Conference sponsored by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on International Nuclear Terrorism Law Enforcement in Miami, Florida, USA. The Conference, conducted under the Global Initiative, brought together more than 500 participants from over twenty countries, including the Director of the FBI and the Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service in the Russian Federation.
In addition, partners continued to develop a plan of work for 2007-2008. The plan of work includes activities to support each of the Global Initiative principles, with an emphasis on strengthening our key priorities to include:
• preventing the availability of nuclear material to terrorists;
• improving the capabilities of participating nations to detect, search for, and prevent trafficking in such materials;
• promoting information sharing and law enforcement cooperation;
• establishing appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks;
• minimizing the use of highly enriched uranium and plutonium in civilian facilities and activities;
• denying safe haven and financial resources to terrorists; and
• strengthening our response capabilities to minimize the impact of any nuclear terrorism attack.
We note the success of Japan and Australia in completing the first two capacity-building activities in the Global Initiative since the second meeting in Ankara, Turkey. In addition to the already-planned activities, we agreed at this meeting to include capacity-building activities that will be hosted by Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
More information about the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism is available at http://www.state.gov/t/isn/c18406.htm
Fact Sheet
Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
Washington, DC
June 17, 2008
Fourth Meeting of the Global Initiative, Madrid
Madrid, Spain
June 17, 2008
Partners in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (Global Initiative) met for the fourth time in Madrid, Spain on 16-18 June. 56Global Initiative partners of the 73 who have endorsed the Global Initiative Statement of Principles were represented by senior members of their governments.
The Global Initiative was launched jointly by U.S. President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 15, 2006. Previous Global Initiative meetings were held in Rabat, Morocco (October 2006), Ankara, Turkey (February 2007), and Astana, Kazakhstan (June 2007).
The Madrid meeting focused on deepening participation across the partnership. Representatives reflected on achievements to date and further committed to filling gaps in implementation of the eight objectives within the Statement of Principles. Key areas of priority include:
• Strengthening detection and forensics
• Denying safe haven and financing to terrorists
• Deterring terrorist intentions to acquire and use nuclear devices
Outreach
Since the third Global Initiative meeting, 22 partners endorsed the Global Initiative Statement of Principles, to include gaining endorsement from remaining European Union countries and new partners in the Middle East. All 27 member states of the EU are participants in this Initiative. The EU itself also issued a statement of support today, which we welcome. Global Initiative partners agreed to continue outreach efforts to further expand participation in key regions around the world.
Key Agenda Items
The fourth meeting began with a panel comprised of private sector, state and local government representatives and the International Atomic Energy Agency discussing the importance of cooperation between their organizations and their respective federal governments. The Co-Chairs also encouraged private sector entities to provide public statements of support to the Initiative.
Partner nations also discussed the need for greater cooperation between the counterterrorism and counterproliferation communities and made clear their interest in strengthening the Global Initiative exercise program. This exercise program began with a table-top exercise program hosted by Spain in May 2008 and a field exercise "Atom Anti-terror 2008" hosted by Kazakhstan this month. We agree that exercises are an excellent opportunity to deepen partner participation. We look forward to having a strong and multi-faceted exercise program in 2009.
Way Forward
As a result of this meeting, we can include, along with activities already volunteered by partners, six more activities that have now been added to the Global Initiative Plan of Work. We encourage robust participation by partner nations, to include opportunities for state and local government and private sector participation. This cooperation among different sectors, levels of government, and communities of expertise will provide for even greater practical application of the principles upon which the Global Initiative is based.
The potential for an attack involving nuclear or radiological materials is a major challenge facing the international community. To be sure, much more work remains to be done, but we are pleased with the growth of this Initiative and significant progress since it was launched two years ago.
Joint Co-Chair Statement at 2009 Plenary Meeting
BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND NONPROLIFERATION
Fact Sheet
June 16, 2009
The Hague, Netherlands
Partners of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism met in The Hague, Netherlands, to discuss "enhancing international partnerships by sharing best practices." All acknowledged that the potential for a terrorist act involving nuclear or radiological materials is a major threat that the international community continues to face, and that this voluntary Initiative fills an important niche in bringing all levels of government, international organizations, and private sector entities together to confront this challenge.
To date, partners have conducted over thirty Global Initiative workshops, conferences, and exercises aimed to build capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to acts of nuclear terrorism. They discussed their commitment to continue and to increase their effectiveness as a partnership. For 2009-2010, partners will facilitate capacity-building in the functional areas described in the Global Initiative Statement of Principles, including developing and improving accounting, control, and physical protection systems for nuclear and other radioactive materials; and enhancing security of civilian nuclear facilities; as well as strengthening operational detection and forensics capabilities.
Today the Global Initiative now comprises 75 partner nations, and is growing. Of these, more than 60 sent senior representation to the Plenary in The Hague. Partners welcomed INTERPOL as a new official observer to the Global Initiative; it had issued a statement of support and will be involved in activities relevant to its mandate. Global Initiative partners agreed to continue outreach efforts to further expand participation in key regions around the world. Through the 2009 meeting partner countries strengthened the GICNT by promoting greater involvement of civil society and in particular the relevant business sector.
In their April 1, 2009 Joint Statement, Presidents Obama and Medvedev agreed to enhance cooperation to counter such threats as nuclear terrorism and to strengthen international efforts through initiatives like this one, jointly launched in 2006.
Enhancing International Partnerships
C.S. Eliot Kang
Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
Remarks at the 2009 Plenary Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism
The Hague, Netherlands
June 16, 2009
Good morning. Before we begin, I would like to thank Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen and everyone at The Hague for their gracious hospitality. It is both an honor and a pleasure to be here in such a venerable and internationally recognized setting.
It is fitting that our 2009 Plenary Meeting is taking place in a city that is home to a number of important international institutions that often refers to itself as the "International City of Peace and Justice." So, we are carrying on a grand and deep-seated tradition this week.
I am pleased to co-chair this meeting with Russian Ambassador Anatoli Safonov, a man of great stature and accomplishments in this field.
I would like to welcome and thank each of the delegations that have joined us here today. We all share a responsibility for global security and your active participation in the Global Initiative reflects a commitment to that obligation.
In particular I wish to welcome Uzbekistan and Mauritius, our two new partners since the 2008 Plenary, and a new official observer: the International Criminal Police Organization – INTERPOL. Welcome! We look forward to your participation in the Global Initiative.
President Obama Embraces GICNT
As many of you are aware, President Obama has laid out a bold agenda on preventing nuclear proliferation and terrorism. One of the first major addresses he gave as President included a direct reference to the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. He is keenly interested in strengthening this Initiative and seeing the effects of our capacity building around the world.
I would like to share a message from President Obama to partners:
June 16, 2009
"I am pleased to send my warmest greetings to all those gathered together at the Plenary Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. There is no graver danger to global security than the threat of nuclear terrorism, and no more immediate task for the international community than to address that threat. We will succeed in our efforts only if we stand together as partners to prevent the theft, diversion, and misuse of nuclear materials and technologies; to detect the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials; and to respond to, investigate, and prosecute would-be nuclear terrorists.
The Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism has my fullest support. I commend your efforts and applaud the 75 nations that have joined this initiative. I hope more nations will commit to implementing the Principles of the Global Initiative and work together to increase capacity and share best practices. As I said in Prague a few short months ago, the Global Initiative should become a durable international institution.
Please accept my thanks for your hard work on building a better, more secure future. I wish you all the best for a successful meeting."
[signed] Barack Obama
We live in an age where the perils of terrorism are increasing, not decreasing. We must stay alert and understand how to work with each other in the wide range of disciplines included in the Global Initiative.
Facilitating Capacity Building
While there may not be a single, universal solution to preventing nuclear terrorism, the notion of “best practices” teaches us that a successful approach in one country can be applied to others who may be facing similar threats.
This is a central theme of the Global Initiative and our focus for this Plenary Meeting. It is particularly timely.
Continuing on this theme, I would like to inform you that the United States is prepared to assist other partners in implementing any of the functional areas covered in the Global Initiative Principles. Some of you have heard about this at recent Global Initiative meetings.
We call it an "incentive program," and it is a way to match our experts with partners that have a desire to increase their capabilities and are looking for a way to do it.
We recognize that many partners are also in a position to share their expertise. I encourage all partners to consider the Global Initiative a forum for matching experts with those seeking expertise. Collectively, we have a vast array of experience that can translate into improved capabilities worldwide in preventing, detecting, and responding to acts of nuclear terrorism.
We will discuss this in more detail over the next two days.
Enhancing Implementation
An important ingredient in bolstering our capacity-building as a partnership is having an effective way to work together. President Obama recognized that we are off to an enthusiastic start. In three years, we’ve grown to a partnership of 75 nations and three official observer organizations.
The time has come to identify enduring mechanisms for working together. This is what President Obama pointed to in his speech, and the U.S. and Russian Co-Chairs have been discussing ways we can work toward accomplishing this goal.
We would like to begin discussing with you today, and throughout the coming year, ways to make the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism a more effective and enduring international institution. Going forward, we will refer to this as "enhancing implementation" of the Global Initiative.
Some Specifics
Some ideas under consideration include clearly identifying a policy making body, having a decision making mechanism that is open to all partners, better coordinating exercise planning, and as I have described, facilitating capacity building, which is central to this Initiative. Fortunately, we do not believe this involves creating anything new.
We are suggesting that partners energize the Implementation and Assessment Group, or IAG, as the formal advisory body for all strategic and policy-level issues, and re-shape the Exercise Planning Group, or EPG as an operational body to coordinate all Global Initiative exercises as well as any other related practical activities. We look forward to generating discussion in these areas.
Emphasis for 2009-2010
The United States’ view is that we can put these “enduring mechanisms” to use to facilitate capacity building in the coming year, and propose to focus on the first two Principles – materials control and accounting, and security of civilian nuclear facilities.
As I mentioned, my President is committed to taking quick action to secure nuclear materials.
In fact, as many of you know, the United States is planning a summit on nuclear security for early next year and we believe that focusing on Principles 1 and 2 over the next year, will allow the Global Initiative to play an important part in those efforts.
I believe there will be a role for Global Initiative partners to support the President’s international initiative to secure all vulnerable material in four years, since this is directly in line with Principle 1. This is not to overlook the important ongoing work in nuclear detection. We saw an excellent practical field exercise in this area that Spain conducted last year.
I also wish to acknowledge the excellent work partners accomplished over the last year on the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture and the ongoing development of the Model Guidelines Document, which could serve as an important strategic planning guide in helping nations determine their specific needs in the nuclear detection area.
This is an example of collaboration that can take place in the Global Initiative for the benefit of all partners.
Over the next two days you will also hear about furthering our work on nuclear forensics and a new framework to enhance operational cooperation between partners investigating illicit uses of nuclear material.
AICMS
Ambassador Safonov and I would also like to call your attention to an achievement we wish to share on an automated inventory control and management system called AICMS. The system was jointly developed to replace a paper system used to inventory and monitor sensitive fissile and radiological material. We believe this inventory system may be of use to Global Initiative partners.
Information Sharing
Naturally, we also consider information sharing an ongoing priority. With regard to the Global Initiative Information Portal, or GIIP, we are pleased that so many of you access it – hundreds per week – and we recommend that the GIIP continue serving as the primary vehicle for centralized information sharing.
We suggest that the Portal could be utilized more intensively, including for subject matter expert collaboration, and for real-time activity coordination and implementation among Global Initiative partners.
I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest that our success in preventing an act of nuclear terrorism anywhere in the world is clearly and directly linked to our collective ability to provide the right information, to the right people, at the right time.
Now, as the Global Initiative moves forward we want to continue augmenting participation in the Global Initiative by continuing outreach to non-partner nations, particularly we have some gaps in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. I acknowledge the good work by several partners over the last year especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
We also want to ensure that we continue working closely with the IAEA and EU, and involve an international organization that is a new official observer to the Global Initiative: INTERPOL; as well as all levels of government in our activities.
And finally, we ask that, as our partners, each of you continue building and strengthening relationships with the private sector, with those responsible for the management of critical infrastructure, with academia, and with key non-governmental entities. I know this Plenary meeting will highlight several of these organizations in one of the working group sessions tomorrow.
I call your attention in particular to the World Institute of Nuclear Security, or WINS, a partnership of government and industry professionals sharing best practices on nuclear security. This is a new institute that is fulfilling Principle 2, securing civil nuclear facilities. My government strongly supports WINS as a complementary component of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and I encourage each of your delegations to carry back to your capitals the need to support and participate in WINS.
Conclusion
These are the strengths of the Global Initiative – the multi-sector involvement, information sharing, and moving towards a more enduring mechanism for interacting with one another.
We look forward to another year of good work – improved understanding – in nuclear forensics, materials control and accounting, and in securing civilian nuclear facilities. Next year, we’ll suggest moving to the next Principles, until we’ve spent time on each. Our progress is measurable, as you will hear in today’s discussions.
It is also measurable in what doesn’t happen – and I think we can all agree that when it comes to nuclear terrorism, our greatest success is when absolutely nothing happens.
Once again, thank you all for your commitment to the success of the Global Initiative and for keeping the focus on improving our individual and collective abilities to prevent, detect, and, if necessary, respond to an act of nuclear terrorism.
Global Initiative Current Partner Nations
BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND NONPROLIFERATION
Fact Sheet
August 25, 2009
Current as of August 25, 2009
1. Afghanistan 31. Israel 61. Seychelles
2. Albania 32. Italy 62. Slovakia
3. Armenia 33. Japan 63. Slovenia
4. Australia 34. Jordan 64. Spain
5. Austria 35. Kazakhstan 65. Sri Lanka
6. Belarus 36. Kyrgyz Republic 66. Sweden
7. Bahrain 37. Latvia 67. Switzerland
8. Belgium 38. Libya 68. Tajikistan
9. Bosnia 39. Lithuania 69. Turkey
10. Bulgaria 40. Luxembourg 70. Turkmenistan
11. Cambodia 41. Madagascar 71. Ukraine
12. Canada 42. Malta 72. United Arab Emirates
13. Cape Verde 43. Mauritius 73. United Kingdom
14. Chile 44. Montenegro 74. United States
15. China 45. Morocco 75. Uzbekistan
16. Cote d'Ivoire 46. Nepal 76. Zambia
17. Croatia 47. Netherlands
18. Cyprus 48. New Zealand
19. Czech Republic 49. Norway
20. Denmark 50. Pakistan
21. Estonia 51. Palau
22. Finland 52. Panama
23. France 53. Poland
24. Georgia 54. Portugal
25. Germany 55. Republic of Korea
26. Greece 56. Republic of Macedonia
27. Hungary 57. Romania
28. Iceland 58. Russian Federation
29. India 59. Saudi Arabia
30. Ireland 60. Serbia
Official Observers:
IAEA
EU
INTERPOL
UNODC
Statement of Principle
BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND NONPROLIFERATION
Participants in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism are committed to the following Statement of Principles to develop partnership capacity to combat nuclear terrorism on a determined and systematic basis, consistent with national legal authorities and obligations they have under relevant international legal frameworks, notably the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 Amendment, United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1540. They call on all states concerned with this threat to international peace and security, to make a commitment to implement on a voluntary basis the following principles:
• Develop, if necessary, and improve accounting, control and physical protection systems for nuclear and other radioactive materials and substances;
• Enhance security of civilian nuclear facilities;
• Improve the ability to detect nuclear and other radioactive materials and substances in order to prevent illicit trafficking in such materials and substances, to include cooperation in the research and development of national detection capabilities that would be interoperable;
• Improve capabilities of participants to search for, confiscate, and establish safe control over unlawfully held nuclear or other radioactive materials and substances or devices using them.
• Prevent the provision of safe haven to terrorists and financial or economic resources to terrorists seeking to acquire or use nuclear and other radioactive materials and substances;
• Ensure adequate respective national legal and regulatory frameworks sufficient to provide for the implementation of appropriate criminal and, if applicable, civil liability for terrorists and those who facilitate acts of nuclear terrorism;
• Improve capabilities of participants for response, mitigation, and investigation, in cases of terrorist attacks involving the use of nuclear and other radioactive materials and substances, including the development of technical means to identify nuclear and other radioactive materials and substances that are, or may be, involved in the incident; and
• Promote information sharing pertaining to the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism and their facilitation, taking appropriate measures consistent with their national law and international obligations to protect the confidentiality of any information which they exchange in confidence.
Global Initiative participants recognize the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the fields of nuclear safety and security and the IAEA has been invited to serve as an observer to the Initiative. All participants commend the IAEA for its action in the field of nuclear security. Participants intend for the IAEA to contribute to the Initiative through its ongoing activities and technical expertise.
The initial partner nations intend to establish a terms of reference for implementation and assessment to support effective fulfillment of the initiative, including by facilitating the provision of assistance to participants that may require it, and facilitating suitable exercises.
They express the desire to broaden participation in the Global Initiative to other countries who share the common goals of the Initiative, are actively committed to combating nuclear terrorism, and endorse the Statement of Principles.
