UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Statement by Mr David Mason Deputy Head of Mission Australian Permanent Mission to the UN, Vienna to the Third Preparatory Committee for the 2005 NPT Review Conference

Safety and Security of Peaceful Nuclear Programs

New York 30 April 2004

Mr Chairman

Exposure of the Khan proliferation network showed proliferant states could readily acquire sensitive materials and technology and develop clandestine nuclear programs. But the lessons of the Khan network go beyond state proliferators. The existence of a sophisticated nuclear blackmarket coupled with terrorist groups’ known interest in acquiring weapons of mass destruction reminds us that unless we act firmly and in unity terrorist groups could one day secure a nuclear or radiological weapon with disastrous consequences.

We should avoid any inclination to think of nuclear terrorism as an issue for some states and not for others. The consequences of an act of nuclear or radiological terrorism would be widely felt and would impact on the interests of all states. As well as a potentially terrible human cost such an act could severely disrupt the trade, investment and movement of people essential to the economic development of all states.

The framework for a response to the danger of nuclear terrorism exists in the form of the NPT-based nuclear non-proliferation regime. Strengthening the non-proliferation regime will raise the barriers to misuse of sensitive materials and technology by both state and non-state actors. We have outlined priority actions in other statements including global application of the Additional Protocol, enhanced physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities, and effective domestic controls on sensitive materials and technologies including export controls.

Australia welcomes adoption of the UN Security Council non-proliferation resolution as a timely and appropriate response to the serious threat of non-state actors acquiring WMD and of WMD proliferation generally. As a clear threat to international peace and security these issues fall squarely within the Security Council’s mandate. Exposure of the Khan network underscored the need for the international community to act quickly, as the Security Council was able to do.

Finally, Mr Chairman we would like to record our appreciation for the IAEA’s strong contribution to international efforts to respond to the risk of nuclear terrorism including though assistance to member states in strengthening their regulatory controls.