Africa's Development and the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction

WMD Africa Project Launches Facebook Page

2012-01-27T15:16:00.000+02:00

In order to increase our online presence the WMD Africa Project has launched a Facebook page! Please show your support for the project by "Liking" the Facebook page and by following us on Twitter. We promise to keep you updated on the latest WMD-related news and events in Africa!

How Accurate is the NTI Nuclear Materials Security Index?

2012-01-27T08:55:00.000+02:00

Please read below an article by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA)

January 24, 2012

Ch. Viyyanna Sastry and Rajiv Nayan

The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) released a Report titled ‘NTI Nuclear Materials Security Index: Building a Framework for Assurance, Accountability and Action’, on January 11, 2012 showing a baseline assessment of nuclear security conditions prevailing in 176 countries. This Index was developed in associated with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The Report generated a great deal of media interest in a large part of the world. Media reports on the findings of the Report forced officials of some surveyed countries to take a stand on it. While the project that produced the Report engaged some credible scholars from western universities and elsewhere, but the control and leadership exercised on the project by known non-proliferation activists may have sent a wrong signal to the non-western world.
Countries were assessed in two categories: 32 countries that possess one kg or more of weapons-usable nuclear materials, and 144 countries having less than 1 kg or none; however, the latter could be used as safe heavens, staging grounds, or transit points for illicit activities. For the first category, a total of five sub-categories have been used to assess the performance of these countries.

It is surprising that the Report places India at the 28th spot in the first list with Vietnam, Iran, Pakistan, and North Korea below it. China is on the 27th spot while Japan is 23rd, and France is at the 19th position along with South Korea. The top five countries in this category are Australia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Austria.

The timing of the Report’s release is interesting. The second Nuclear Security Summit is scheduled to be held in Seoul in March 2012, and the last of the preparatory meetings (the Sherpas’ meeting) was held in Delhi in January, a few days after the release of the NTI Report. However, the Report did not figure in the New Delhi Sherpas’ meeting.

As part of the process of data collection, the project investigators circulated its methodology and information amongst a section of the international strategic, policymaking, and scientific communities. That the methodology of the Report was highly faulty was common knowledge even before it was published, notwithstanding the engagement of a panel of international experts or the development of the index by the EIU. In analysing such vast data, it appears that consistency of expert opinion was not checked. This is essential as different experts can have different opinions.

Transparency is a point on which many national governments as well as the Report find difficulties, especially vis-à-vis nuclear security. The Government of India and a former atomic energy chief have maintained that transparency and nuclear security are mutually contradictory. In fact, the Report has found merit in the argument that transparency may be paradoxical. It acknowledges that ‘This is not a call for states to reveal so much information that they compromise national and global security.’ But at the same time, the Report expects countries to: (i) publish nuclear security regulations and other ‘framework’ information that provide general descriptions of security arrangements; (ii) declare inventory quantities for both highly enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium; and (iii) make regular ‘peer reviews’ the norm for sites holding HEU and plutonium.

A closer look at the five categories—quantities and sites; security and control measures; global norms; domestic commitments and capacity; and societal factors—suggests that these are a mix of the genuine and the arbitrary. If a country has more sites and a larger quantity of nuclear materials, it will be rewarded lesser points. A comparison of India and Austria, for example, reveals that India is placed lower in the ranking due to the sheer size of its quantities of stockpile and number of sites. This is the reason why the first 10 rankings in the NTI index are awarded to smaller countries with smaller sites and quantities.

The selection of 32 countries in the first major category is also arbitrary. The criterion of selecting countries with more than 1 kg of nuclear weapons usable material is questionable. In order to make a credible weapon, a minimum of 5 kg of plutonium or 25 kg of highly enriched uranium is required. How, then, did the Report arrive at the figure of 1 kg is a question worth asking.

Unlike the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which had placed 44 countries with significant nuclear infrastructure under the Annex 2 list, the NTI considers 32 countries out of which three countries, namely—the Czech Republic, Belarus, and Uzbekistan—do not figure in the Annex 2 list. Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Columbia, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Peru, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, and Zaire are all listed in Annex 2, although they do not figure in the NTI list.

Moreover, the NTI Report ignores radiological sources and focuses only on weapons-usable materials. The issue of radiological security was also raised in the preparatory meetings for the Seoul Nuclear Security meeting, and it is certain that the issue would be included in the agenda of the March 2012 meet. The non-inclusion of radiological materials is another case of arbitrariness.

The Report also includes the pervasiveness of corruption as an indicator. Firstly, there is the issue of how corruption is to be measured in any given society? Here it is also necessary to consider the fact that in developing countries, nuclear establishments are insulated from other governing bodies because of the national importance attached to them. Even more surprising is the Report giving a rating of 0-2 for groups interested in acquiring nuclear materials illicitly, while at the same time giving a rating of 0-4 for pervasiveness of corruption!

The inclusion of contribution to the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) is also questionable. A country that supports WINS or any centre of global excellence wins points. The Report highlights WINS, but does not name other centres. Favouring one over others appears unfair to many for whom this Report is merely a marketing ploy to promote an organization like WINS.

The methodology and timing of the Report have prompted questions about the presence of a hidden agenda. It appears that this is indeed the case. First, the Report seems to be pushing the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI). Russia may have benefited from the Initiative, but other countries, including India, do not have full confidence in it. On previous occasions, too, India has been uncomfortable with moves to push the initiative directly, and more so, indirectly. The GTRI is an American initiative and it is methodologically faulty to assume that not joining the GTRI is bad for nuclear security.

The Report also mixes up multilateral regimes with international legal conventions and treaties in the global norms category. Arrangements like the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) as well as membership of the G-8 cannot be treated at par with international treaties and organisations.

Despite regular calls to make their nuclear materials stockpiles public, countries like China, Israel, Pakistan, and India have not done so, leaving it to other countries and think-tanks to engage in guess work. And they haven’t done so because nuclear stockpiles play a role in calculations pertaining to credible minimum nuclear deterrence.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is already working and mobilising its member states towards nuclear security. The Nuclear Security Summit convened by US President Barack Obama has also generated a momentum towards nuclear security as well as greater awareness of nuclear terrorism. The summit underscored the need for working together and the importance of international cooperation. The summit process received accolades for bridging the NPT-based international divide.

In contrast, the NTI Report seeks to recreate the old divide and could even prove counterproductive for nuclear security. The confidence and trust that the summit process gathered could be adversely affected by such documents. Governments have begun to question the credibility of the entire process of non-governmental actors contributing to the debate and discussions on nuclear security. Indexing will further provide an opportunity for countries to make allegations that the NGOs working on nuclear security are basically pushing the agenda of the US non-proliferation community as well as the US government. The Report broadly appears to be on the conventional North-South line; its subheading reads: ‘Wealthy and Democratic States Score Higher’.

The objective of the project may be noble: reshaping ‘international norms’ for nuclear security or ‘facilitating international dialogue on priorities’ for it. However, a preliminary analysis suggests that it will do more harm than good for global nuclear security.

Source: http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/HowAccurateistheNTINuclearMaterialsSecurityIndex_rnayan_240112

Chad and Guinea-Bissau Ratify Treaty of Pelindaba

2012-01-21T11:04:00.001+02:00

Chad and Guinea-Bissau have become the 33rd and 34th African countries to deposit their instruments of ratification with the African Union (AU) for the Treaty of Pelindaba. This brings the total number of States Parties to 34, with 19 countries yet to ratify the Treaty.

Issue 1: 1540 Compass Journal

2012-01-12T07:52:00.000+02:00

Welcome to the 1540 Compass

The 1540 Compass is a journal of views, comments, and ideas for effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 to prevent WMD proliferation and terrorism by non-state actors. Published by the Center for International Trade & Security at the University of Georgia, in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.

In this issue:

Title page
Editor's Note
Notes of Welcome
Strategy for the committee
Reflecting on UNSCR 1977
1540 in Africa
1540 in CARICOM states
2012 Nuclear Security Summit
OPCW
OSCE
CSOs and NGOs
Industry Perspective
Strategic Trade Controls

Challenges and Solutions for 1540 Implementation in the African Region

- Amelia Broodryk and Noël Stott

INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES, PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA

UN Security Council resolution 1540 (UNSCR 1540) was adopted in April 2004 to strengthen the international nonproliferation architecture and to address the possibility of non-state actors’ accessing weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their components, or their delivery systems. Although UNSCR 1540 initially met with some resistance from the developing world, many African states have subsequently expressed their support for the resolution. Enacted in April 2011, UNSCR 1977 extended UNSCR 1540’s mandate for ten years—signaling the resolution’s continued relevance in combating WMD-related security threats.

Although states have made significant progress toward implementing UNSCR 1540, the resolution’s ambitious requirements continue to challenge some states, especially those in Africa. Unofficial estimates indicate that the resolution contains 113 specific prohibitions, 152 controlled activities, and at least 8 recommended activities. States often find themselves overwhelmed by these obligations and, in light of the expected expansion of nuclear power and nuclear-related technology, meeting these obligations will only become more demanding in the future.

We consider the relevance of UNSCR 1540 for Africa by briefly discussing implementation of the resolution on the continent and highlighting the needs of some African countries for collaboration and assistance as they attempt to comply with its provisions. We also consider the role that regional and subregional bodies can play in implementing UNSCR 1540 on the continent and offer some recommendations for stakeholders working in the fields of WMD disarmament and nonproliferation.

For a full HTML version of the article, click HERE
To download a PDF version of the article, click HERE

To download the entire issue, click HERE

ISS Today: Progress on a Chemical Weapons-free World

2011-11-29T14:59:00.001+02:00

Amelia Broodryk, Researcher, Arms Management Programme, ISS Pretoria Office - 29 November 2011

From 28 November to 3 December, States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction or Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) will meet for the 16th annual Conference of States Parties (CSP) in The Hague. The CWC was adopted in 1992 and is the only convention in the world today that eliminates an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.

African participation in the CWC is high, with 50 States Parties representing the continent and only three states (Angola, Egypt and Somalia) that are still non-signatories. The high level of participation can be attributed to the active involvement of the Convention’s implementation body, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the formation of the ‘African Group’. The OPCW Technical Secretariat engages with African States Parties through its Programme for Africa, which focuses on promoting economic, scientific, and technological development through its various projects, particularly in the field of international co-operation. The future of the Africa Programme has been included as a main agenda item for the 2011 CSP.

Another important issue for African States Parties that will be considered at the CSP is the destruction of chemical stockpiles, old chemical weapons and abandoned chemical weapons. According to an African Group statement at the 66th Session of the OPCW Executive Council, the destruction of all chemical weapons remains “one of the core objectives of this Organisation” and that the “continued existence of chemical weapons is a threat to international peace and security”. It is unlikely that States Parties that still possess these weapons will be able to meet the extended destruction deadline of 29 April 2012. Other priority areas for African States Parties include the implementation of Article X, which provides for assistance and protection against chemical weapons to States Parties and Article XI, which provides for international co-operation between States Parties.

In support of the goal of an Africa free of chemical weapons, and in accordance with the CWC, Libya had to destroy approximately 9.5 metric tons of mustard agent by 15 May 2011, and a quantity of precursor materials by 31 December 2011. However, events in Libya over the last few months have led the OPCW’s Executive Council to publicly express its concern and to remind Libya of its obligation to ensure the security of its remaining stockpile whilst continuing with destruction within the established deadlines. Throughout the crisis, Libyan authorities have maintained communication with the OPCW, and in October 2011, the Libyan delegation informed the Executive Council that chemical weapons storage sites in Ruwagha were secure and under the control and protection of the Libyan National Transitional Council forces. In addition, Libya has requested that the Technical Secretariat send inspectors to verify the safety of the chemical stockpiles as well as develop a way forward on destruction of these stockpiles. The situation in Libya remains precarious, and the 16th CSP will have to consider measures that should be implemented to ensure the safe storage and eventual destruction of chemicals in that country. It is important to note that Libya is not the only country that will not meet its destruction deadline, and continued dialogue between States Parties and the OPCW is vital in order to manage the destruction process beyond April 2012.

Although States Parties remain the key drivers of the CWC, the OPCW places great value on the participation of other stakeholders, including the chemical industry, regional and sub-regional bodies, as well as civil society, in implementation and operationalisation of the Convention. To this end, the OPCW provides civil society with the space to host the NGO Open Forum, a meeting where civil society can address delegations and other interested stakeholders on issues of particular relevance to civil society. This year, the Forum will focus on the 2012 chemical weapons destruction deadline and the future of the OPCW, including a presentation on the regulation of riot control agent munitions and means of delivery jointly prepared by the ISS, the University of Bradford and the Omega Research Foundation. In addition, a much-needed African perspective on OPCW priorities will be presented with a particular focus on the strengths and weaknesses of Africa’s engagement in the CWC framework. Civil society will also be hosting the third annual meeting of the Chemical Weapons Convention Coalition (CWCC), which will include a presentation by the Director General of the OPCW, Ahmet Uzumcu.

The OPCW has geared much of its work towards achieving the goal of universal implementation of the CWC, but it cannot accomplish this without the co-operation of other stakeholders, including the chemical industry, regional and sub-regional bodies, and civil society. The near-universalisation of the CWC in Africa is a testament to the continent’s commitment to ensuring that the misuse of dangerous chemicals does not happen either in Africa. The 16th CSP is another opportunity for States Parties to recommit themselves to implementation of the CWC, and African States Parties, both individually and through the African Group, have an important voice, especially on issues related to international co-operation, the peaceful use of chemicals and the future direction of the OPCW.

Le CNT adopte une loi interdisant les armes chimiques en Guinée (Guinea Approves Chemical Weapons Law)

2011-11-23T09:33:00.001+02:00

Le conseil national de transition a adopté ce vendredi en séance plénière la loi portant interdiction de la mise au point, de la fabrication, du stockage et de l’emploi des armes chimiques et sur leur destruction.

Cette loi interdit l’emploi d’agents de lutte-émeute comme moyen de guerre, les préparatifs militaires en vue d’emploi d’armes chimiques. Elle réglemente l’importation, l’exportation, la fabrication, le commerce et l’emploi de certains produits chimiques.

Déjà depuis le 2 mai 1997, la Guinée avait signé un accord avec l’organisation pour l’interdiction des armes chimiques(OACI). De nos jours, 194 Etats ont signé cette convention, selon le ministère des Affaires étrangères.

Il revenait donc à la Guinée, de prendre une loi locale adaptée à cette convention et d’accorder à l’OACI la capacité juridique, les privilèges et immunités qui lui sont nécessaires pour exercer ses fonctions. C’est ce que le CNT fit ce vendredi.

Source: http://www.guineenews.org/articles/detail_article.asp?num=2011111994231

Amadou Tham Camara

Guinea Approves Chemical Weapons Law

The government of Guinea on Friday approved legislation prohibiting the production, holding and employment of chemical weapons in the African state, Guineenews reported (see GSN, Aug. 11, 2006).

The move by the Guinean National Transition Council is in keeping with the nation's obligations as a member of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The law also addresses trade, production and usage of certain chemical materials (Guineenews, Nov. 19).

Source: http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20111122_6164.php

Preparing for the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit

2011-11-21T09:41:00.001+02:00

In preparation for the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit, a website has been set up as a way to keep delegates and other interested parties informed about the meeting. The website also provides readers with some background information on nuclear security and the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit.

Resources on the website include a recent blog post by Laura Holgate on planning for the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit.

For a perspective on Africa's potential role in the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit, read Issue 8 of Africa's Policy Imperatives.

First Committee Monitor: Final Edition

2011-11-03T08:11:00.000+02:00

Final Edition
2 November 2011

Please find the final edition of the First Committee Monitor, the weekly publication from the NGO Working Group on the First Committee, online for download in PDF or viewing in HTML. The editorial for this week's edition is also included below.

The First Committee Monitor is coordinated, edited, and distributed by the Reaching Critical Will project of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Reaching Critical Will also collects and posts online all statements, draft resolutions, and other documentation from the First Committee.

In this edition:

If your delegation or organisation is interested in advertising an event or publication in the First Committee Monitor, please email info[at]reachingcriticalwill.org.

If you are interested in supporting the First Committee Monitor or Reaching Critical Will's other activities, please write to us!

In peace,

Ray Acheson, RCW Project Director

UN First Committee: Week 4 in Review

2011-10-31T09:02:00.000+02:00

During the fourth week of the UNGA First Committee delegations continued to discuss regional disarmament and security as well a disarmament machinery. The following African states made presentations - Morocco and Egypt, as well as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Non-governmental organisations were also given an opportunity to address the meeting. The following presentations were made:

Military expenditure, human security, and nuclear power, Ms. Alicia Godsberg, Peace Action New York State
Implementation of the 2010 NPT outcome document, Ms. Katherine Prizeman, Global Action to Prevent War
Outer space, Ms. Tiffany Chow, Secure World Foundation
Revitalizing multilateral disarmament negotiations, Dr. John Burroughs, Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy
Arms Trade Treaty, Mr. Jeff Abramson, Contol Arms
UN Programme of Action on Small Arms, Ms. Michele Poliacof, International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA)
Landmines, Mr. Zach Hudson, International Campaign to Ban Landmines
Cluster munitions, Ms. Alicia Pierro, Cluster Munition Coalition
UN Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons and the Arms Trade Treaty, Mr. Ted Rowe, President of the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities (WFSA)
Proposed Arms Trade Treaty, Mr. D. Allen Youngman, Defense Small Arms Advisory Council

For a full list of Draft Resolutions and Decisions, Voting Results, and Explanations of Vote
from First Committee 2011 please click HERE.

UN First Committee: Week 3 in Review

2011-10-24T10:43:00.002+02:00

During the third week of the UN General Assembly First Committee, delegations began with statements on 'Other WMD'. No African delegations made statements during the 'Other WMD' session.

South Africa, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Lesotho, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania and Botswana, as well as the Non-Aligned Movement made statements during the session on Conventional Weapons.

During the session on 'other disarmament matters and security', South Africa and the Non-Aligned Movement Algeria presented statements. The session on 'regional disarmament and security included statements by the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, Algeria, the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Group.

South Africa, the Netherlands and Switzerland together put forward document A/C.1/66/L.39 under 'Proposals for revitalizing multilateral disarmament negotiations'.

The Third Edition of the First Committee Monitor can be downloaded HERE.

Africa's Policy Imperatives Issue 9, October 2011: African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty: An Update - Russia's Ratification of Protocols and India Hopes for an Exemption, by Noël Stott

2011-10-21T13:12:00.000+02:00

Issue 7 of ‘Africa’s Policy Imperatives’ focused on the Treaty of Pelindaba and recent developments in its implementation including the establishment of its compliance body, the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE). It also outlined progress made by both the US and the Russian Federation in ratifying the Protocols attached to the Treaty which are of relevance to them. Previous editions provided brief overviews (and updates) of Africa’s general participation in international efforts to strengthen disarmament and non-proliferation through a number of conventions, protocols and agreements. These conventions and agreements include the:

• Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT);
• Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT);
• Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC);
• Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC); and,
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540.

This Issue (Issue 9, October 2011) updates Issue 7 and has been compiled as a result of research undertaken since 2007 by the Norwegian-funded ISS’ “Africa’s Development and the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction Project”. This project aims to identify and strengthen Africa’s role in these international efforts in the context of the continent’s developmental imperatives.

2011-10-20T11:57:00.000+02:00

Burundi has become the 165th State Party to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The country deposited its instrument of ratification in London on 18 October 2011. 15 African States still have to join the BWC.

Source: http://www.unog.ch/80256EE600585943/(httpPages)/87CF9BFD24A8D05FC1257574004B285B?OpenDocument

India hopes it can import uranium from South Africa

2011-10-19T12:05:00.000+02:00

By Arvind Padmanabhan

Pretoria, (IANS) India hopes it can import uranium from South Africa by impressing upon Pretoria to favourably change its regime towards New Delhi, notwithstanding the implications of what is called the Treaty of Pelindaba.

Speaking to journalists on the margins of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Summit, India’s envoy here Virendra Gupta said while South Africa has uranium deposits, India has now started talks on importing the fuel.

“It appears to us that there will need to be an exception,” Gupta said, referring to the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty that prohibits signatories from entering into nuclear commerce with any nation that has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

“But it will not be difficult. We have civil nuclear agreements with several countries. I don’t see any reason why we can’t do it here,” Gupta said referring to such bilateral pacts with about a dozen regimes.

He was speaking soon after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh concluded his engagements with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and South African President Jacob Zuma both at the summit level and his subsequent bilateral meetings.

Significantly, the joint declaration signed by the three leaders appeared to acknowledge India as a responsible state on nuclear matters, despite its reluctance to officially join the non-proliferation regime.

“The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the goal of the complete elimination of all nuclear weapons within a specified timeframe, in a comprehensive, universal, non-discriminatory, verifiable and irreversible manner,” the declaration said.

“Brazil and South Africa welcomed India’s engagement with, and interest in, participation in the relevant international multilateral export control regimes and utilization of their guidelines.”

Source: http://nvonews.com/2011/10/18/india-hopes-it-can-import-uranium-from-south-africa/

First Committee 2011: Week 2

2011-10-14T08:29:00.000+02:00

During week 2 of the UNGA First Committee, states concluded the general debate and proceeded with the thematic debate. The following African states made statements during the second week of general debate: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Liberia, Togo. Copies of the available statements can be found HERE.

From 12 October, the thematic debate commenced with statements by representatives of the UN and intergovernmental organizations including the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs at Geneva, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chempical Weapons and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

States then moved on to the theme of nuclear weapons. Thus far, three African states - Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania - have made statements. Copies of these statements can be downloaded HERE.

First Committee 2011: General Debate

2011-10-10T08:30:00.001+02:00

The United Nations First Committee opened on 3 October 2011 with the General Debate. UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, H.E. Mr. Sergio Duarte kicked off the session, which continued till 7 October.

A number of African states made statements including Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, as well as Nigeria on behalf of the African Group and groups including African states such as the Non-Aligned Movement and New Agenda Coalition.

Copies of the statements can be found HERE.

For a copy of the First Committee Monitor, which provides an NGO perspective on the General Assembly First Committee on Disarmament and International Security click HERE.

Reaching Critical Will: First Committee Monitor Preview Edition

2011-10-03T07:32:00.001+02:00

Preview Edition
3 October 2011

Please find the preview edition of the First Committee Monitor, the weekly publication from the NGO Working Group on the First Committee, online for download in PDF or viewing in HTML. The editorial for this week's edition is also included below.

In this edition:

If your delegation or organisation is interested in advertising an event or publication in the First Committee Monitor, please email info[at]reachingcriticalwill.org.

If you are interested in supporting the First Committee Monitor or Reaching Critical Will's other activities, please write to us!

In peace,

Ray Acheson, RCW Project Director

CTBTO Press Release: Guinea ratifies Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

2011-09-20T15:43:00.000+02:00

VIENNA – Guinea has become the 155th State to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).Tibor Tóth, the Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), hailed the ratification as “a step that further consolidates Africa’s dedication to end nuclear testing and acts as a powerful beacon for the rest of the world.” Last year’s entry into force of the Pelindaba Treaty established a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Africa, effectively making the entire southern hemisphere free of nuclear weapons.

Guinea signed the CTBT on 3 October 1996, just a few days after it opened for signature. Guinea has shown its support for the Treaty by regularly voting in favour of the CTBT in the United Nations General Assembly.Adherence to the Treaty is almost universal, with 182 States having signed the Treaty to date; 155 of them, including Guinea, have also ratified. Guinea is the second African State to ratify the Treaty this year after Ghana’s ratification on 15 June 2011.

In Africa, only two countries have yet to sign the CTBT －Mauritius and Somalia－ whereas 11 countries have yet to ratify: Angola, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Republic of), Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Among these, ratification by Egypt is mandatory for the Treaty to enter into force. Ratifications by eight other nuclear technology holder countries are also outstanding and necessary for entry into force: China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States. Click here for an interactive map of the Treaty’s status.

The CTBT bans all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone. The CTBTO is building an International Monitoring System (IMS) to make sure that no nuclear explosion goes undetected. There are currently over 280 facilities in 85 countries including 30 in 22 African States. The data registered by the IMS can also be used for disaster mitigation such as earthquake monitoring, tsunami warning, and the tracking of the levels and dispersal of radioactivity from nuclear accidents.

For further information on the CTBT, please see www.ctbto.org – your resource on ending nuclear testing, or contact:Annika Thunborg, Spokesperson and Chief, Public Information T +43 1 26030-6375 E annika.thunborg@ctbto.orgM +43 699 1459 6375 I www.ctbto.org

Source: http://www.ctbto.org/press-centre/press-releases/2011/guinea-ratifies-comprehensive-nuclear-test-ban-treaty/

Nigerian president revives nuclear commission

2011-09-16T08:14:00.000+02:00

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan revived the country's Atomic Energy Commission on Thursday, urging members to push ahead with plans to develop nuclear power in Africa's most populous nation.

Nigeria has the world's seventh-largest natural gas reserves, yet is blighted by persistent electricity outages which force businesses and individuals who can afford them to rely on diesel generators.

"We all know the importance of atomic energy. We have plans to generate power from atomic energy and we must pursue it seriously," Jonathan said at the inauguration ceremony at the presidential villa in the capital.

"We expect you to come up with time-lines for the delivery of atomic energy to our people and we will give you the resources you need to work."

Nuclear power has faced increased opposition in some nations since an earthquake and tsunami damaged Japan's Fukushima nuclear facility in March. Germany, Europe's largest economy, has since announced it will exit atomic power and authorities worldwide have kicked off safety checks on nuclear power plants.

The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission was established in 1976 to investigate the development of nuclear energy but little progress was made. It was reactivated in 2006 and Jonathan appointed a new team this year.

Critics question why Nigeria needs to spend money on speculative future nuclear projects when vast gas reserves sit untouched under the ground or are flared into the sky.

Despite being Africa's biggest crude oil exporter, decades of corruption and mismanagement mean Nigeria has never built the infrastructure to farm its huge oil and gas resources for much-needed domestic use.

Power shortages are a major brake on growth in sub-Saharan Africa's second-biggest economy, pushing up the cost of business for manufacturers and making Nigeria uncompetitive as an investment destination for industry, despite a population which makes it one of the world's largest untapped frontier markets.

South Africa, with a third of Nigeria's population, has 10 times the generation capacity.

Power shortages also perpetuate social inequality in a country where most of the population survive on $2 a day or less, depriving many of light at night or the ability to power water pumps, let alone recharge mobile phones or access the Internet.

Source: http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE78E0GJ20110915?sp=true

Ghana ratifies Treaty of Pelindaba

2011-09-13T11:53:00.000+02:00

Ghana has become the 32nd African state to deposit its instrument of ratification with the African Union for the Treaty of Pelindaba. This ratification follows closely on the country's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty on 14 June 2011.

Source: http://au.int/en/sites/default/files/Pelindaba_Treaty.pdf

Ghana inaugurates radioactive waste storage facility

2011-09-13T07:12:00.001+02:00

Accra, September 13

Ghana News Agency

Ghana on Monday positioned itself at the frontiers of science and technology in Africa, by taking the lead to expand and refurbish a radioactive waste storage facility to secure the highly toxic material.

The facility, situated on the precinct of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), was upgraded at the cost of 300,000 dollars made available by the US through its Department of Energy. It would be used as a central storeroom to manage all waste emanating from the utilisation of nuclear technology in Ghana and the Sub-region.

The resource, touted by experts as one of the most high-tech and efficient plant, is the first of its kind to be installed in Africa.

For a full version of the article, click HERE

4th OPCW Basic Course for African National Authorities Held in Ethiopia

2011-09-12T07:51:00.002+02:00

The National Authority of Ethiopia and the OPCW jointly organised a basic course for personnel of National Authorities in Africa who are involved in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The course was held in Addis Ababa from 5 to 9 September 2011 and attended by 29 participants from 25 States Parties*.

This year’s Basic Course was the fourth to be held by the OPCW for the Africa region and was organised under the auspices of the OPCW Programme to Strengthen Cooperation with Africa (“Africa Programme”). The aim is to enhance the capacity of participating National Authorities to implement the CWC and to promote closer cooperation between National Authorities at the regional and sub-regional levels.

“I firmly believe that this training course will improve the work of National Authorities for the effective implementation of the Convention,” stated the Hon. Ato Tadesse Haile, State Minister for Industry at the Ethiopian Ministry of Industry, in opening remarks delivered on his behalf. He commended the OPCW Technical Secretariat for the support it provides through programmes “which are directly relevant to our needs and priorities.” and stressed that the Basic Course helps to enhance the capacity of member states to implement the Convention.

The course covered the history of the development and use of chemical weapons; an overview of the CWC and the OPCW; the rights and obligations of States Parties; the establishment and effective functioning of National Authorities; the declarations and verification regimes of the CWC; the transfer provisions relating to import and export of Scheduled Chemicals; and the OPCW’s international cooperation and assistance programmes including promotion of the peaceful uses of chemistry.

It also offered an opportunity for bilateral consultations between the participants and Technical Secretariat staff, and for participants to share updates on the progress made and challenges encountered by their National Authorities in implementing the Convention.

* Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sao Tome & Principe, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Source: http://www.opcw.org/news/article/4th-opcw-basic-course-for-african-national-authorities-held-in-ethiopia/

Pelindaba: Secret, apartheid-era technology for highly enriched uranium dismantled

2011-09-02T14:51:00.000+02:00

Pelindaba and its uranium-enrichment facility at Valindaba were kept secret during the apartheid era because they were enriching uranium for warheads under the guise of fuel supply, by Sarah Wild, Business Day, 1 September 2011

South Africa is the only country in the world to have willingly halted its nuclear weapons programme, through the Treaty of Pelindaba of 1996. But the old infrastructure remains.

The US provided the Safari-1 reactor through its Atoms for Peace programme, and also supplied the facility with its highly enriched uranium (HEU).

For a full version of the article, click HERE

Pelindaba: One of few profitable parastatals in South Africa

2011-09-02T07:28:00.000+02:00

South Africa is home to the world’s leading radioisotope production nuclear reactor — Safari-1 at Pelindaba in Gauteng — which last year generated medical isotope sales totalling R795m
by Sarah Wild, Business Day, 1 September 2011

The profit-turning parastatal, the Nuclear Energy Corporation of SA (Necsa), last year saw sales of R1bn, with a group profit of R163m — earning it a place of honour as one of SA’s few profitable parastatals.

The 46-year-old Safari-1 reactor, also known as the South African Fundamental Atomic Research Installation, was provided by the US as part of its Atoms for Peace programme. "It’s a 20MW … material test reactor, which means it’s not used for electricity generation," says Necsa spokesman Elliot Mulane.

For a full version of the article, click HERE

Pelindaba: Nuclear reactor is put to use for human good

2011-09-01T08:51:00.000+02:00

The facility’s commercial cash cow is the leading medical isotope producer in the world, writes Sarah Wild - Business Day, 1 September 2011

It was once the apartheid regime’s best-kept secret, but now the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation’s (Necsa’s) flagship facility, Pelindaba, is open to the public — if you have letters of recommendation, have provided your ID number and car registration, had your fingerprints scanned , and gone through many other, not always visible, security checks.

For a full version of the article, click HERE

Africa’s Contribution to a World Free of Nuclear Tests

2011-08-31T11:22:00.000+02:00

31 August 2011

Amelia Broodryk, Researcher, Arms Management Programme

On 29 August, the international community observed the second International Day against Nuclear Tests. The UN General Assembly created the event in December 2009 through the unanimous adoption of resolution 64/35. This year, the International Day against Nuclear Tests also marked the 20th anniversary of the closure of the nuclear weapons test site at Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan. According to UN resolution 64/35, the day is “devoted to enhancing public awareness and education about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions and the need for their cessation as one of the means of achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world”. The UN Office for Disarmament will be hosting two events on the 1st and 2nd of September at the UN Headquarters in New York to commemorate the day – a high-level workshop looking at meeting the targets of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) action plan and an informal meeting of the General Assembly.

For a full version of the article, click HERE.

The Return of South Africa’s Highly Enriched Uranium to the US in Context

2011-08-24T12:49:00.001+02:00

Noel Stott, Senior Research Fellow, Arms Management Programme, ISS Pretoria Office

On 17 August 2011, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the United States issued a press release announcing that the South African government, through the Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), had returned 6,3kg of highly enriched uranium (HEU) spent fuel to the US for safe storage and ultimately for destruction. NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the US Department of Energy (DOE) responsible among other things for maintaining and enhancing the safety, security, reliability and performance of the US nuclear weapons stockpile. The shipment arrived at Savannah River Site (SRS) on 16 August. The SRS is a key DOE industrial complex dedicated to nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship and nuclear materials destruction in support of the US nuclear non-proliferation efforts. It is situated 20 miles south of Aiken, South Carolina.

Subsequent press reports and releases by mainly US-based academics and NGOs lauded this development as a significant step in ‘reducing and securing vulnerable [emphasis added] radioactive materials held at civilian sites around the world’ and stated that it represents an important effort to ‘strengthen the world’s defences against nuclear terrorism’.

While at first reading these may seem reasonable assertions, a number of important caveats need to be highlighted.

Firstly, ‘spent fuel’ is defined as fuel whose elements have been removed from the reactor because the fissionable material they contain has been depleted to a level near where it can no longer sustain a chain reaction. The high concentration of radioactive fission products in spent power-reactor fuel creates a gamma-radiation field, which at a distance of a metre would be lethal. South Africa, or more accurately Necsa, no longer has any use for this material.

Secondly, the US and South Africa have been working constructively for a number of years on various peaceful use applications of nuclear material and in particular on the need to minimise the use of HEU. Examples of such co-operation are the conversion of South Africa’s SAFARI-1 reactor to low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel as well as training in medical responses to nuclear and radiological emergencies. Indeed, today South Africa is leading the transition to produce the medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) with LEU rather than HEU.

This joint work was given impetus by South African President Jacob Zuma’s attendance, in 2010, at the Nuclear Security Summit. Zuma was one of only five African Heads of State or government invited to develop concrete measures towards ensuring that nuclear materials under their control are not stolen or diverted (the others being Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Nigeria). They pledged to improve security as changing conditions may require, and to exchange best practices and practical solutions for doing so. The Summit’s final communiqué also highlighted the fact that ‘highly enriched uranium and separated plutonium require special precautions’.

Thirdly, the return is not unique. The repatriation of used and unused HEU fuel to its country of origin – either the US or Russia – has been an international goal since the early 1980s. Some 1,249kg of US-origin highly enriched uranium from sites around the world have already been returned, including from Chile in April 2010 just after the earthquake the previous February.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the spent fuel storage facility at Necsa is not, and has never been, ‘vulnerable’ – in the sense of being in danger of being accessed by organisations or persons with criminal intent or worse, with terrorist ideologies.

South Africa is fully aware of its obligations and is totally committed to the safety and security of such materials and sources. The nuclear material democratic South Africa holds, including the HEU from the Apartheid state’s nuclear weapons programme, is under constant and real-time surveillance and will never again be used, wittingly or unwittingly, to produce a nuclear weapon. This HEU does not pose ‘a potential security vulnerability’, as one academic alleges.

Given the developmental benefits of nuclear and other radioactive materials for Africa, there is a clear need to ensure the continued delivery of the benefits that nuclear materials and related applications provide, such as radionuclides intended for use in life-saving medical applications.

Libyan Regime Collapse Raises Fears About Chemical Stockpile Security

2011-08-24T07:56:00.000+02:00

The collapse of the Qadhafi regime has renewed concerns about the status of Libya's small stockpile of chemical warfare materials, Reuters reported on Monday (see GSN, July 26).

Libyan opposition forces in recent days have gained control over much of the capital city of Tripoli; fighting continues and Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi and other key regime figures remain at large. It is not yet apparent who will ultimately come to control the North African nation.

Read the full article HERE

Source: Global Security Newswire

South African Nuclear Energy Corporation launches microfocus X-ray machine

2011-08-19T09:47:00.000+02:00

Engineering News

Schalk Burger

A new microfocus X-ray radiography and tomography machine, for use by South African scientists and researchers, has been launched by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) at its Pelindaba complex, near Hartbeespoort, in the North West.

South African National Centre for Radio-graphy and Tomography (Sancrat) and Necsa chief scientist for neutron radiography/tomography Frikkie de Beer explains that use of the facility has been reserved for postgraduate researchers until the end of the year, after which it will be available for use by other researchers.

Read the full article HERE

South Africa Ships HEU Back to U.S.

2011-08-18T08:59:00.003+02:00

SAFARI-1 research reactor
Source: www.necsa.co.za

South Africa has sent 13.8 pounds of used weapon-grade uranium back to the United States, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration announced on Wednesday (see GSN, June 9).

The semiautonomous branch of the Energy Department worked with the South African Nuclear Energy Corp. [Nesca] to repatriate the spent U.S.-origin highly enriched uranium fuel that had been used at a nuclear research site.

“With this return, we have taken another important step in the global effort to minimize the use of HEU around the world, a vital part of implementing President Obama’s nuclear security agenda,” NNSA Deputy Administrator Anne Harrington said in released remarks. “The completion of this project is another example of the close partnership between NNSA and the South African Nuclear Energy Corp., and the significant technical expertise and professionalism of Necsa were key factors in the success of the operation.”

The material reached the United States on Tuesday and is going into "secure storage pending disposition," according to an NNSA press release.

The nuclear agency has supported withdrawal of 2,754 pounds of U.S.-made highly enriched uranium from facilities across the globe. In total, it has supported the extraction or management of 6,814 pounds of uranium and plutonium that could be used in nuclear weapons, the release states.

South Africa and the United States have collaborated for years on reducing reliance on highly enriched uranium for civilian activities. Last year, the South African nuclear agency received as much as $25 million for a program to promote production of a key medical isotope through use of proliferation-resistant low-enriched uranium rather than highly enriched material (U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, Aug. 17).

Source: http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20110817_7697.php

9th Regional Meeting of African National Authorities Held in Ghana

2011-08-17T11:25:00.002+02:00

The Government of the Republic of Ghana and the OPCW co-hosted the meeting from 26 to 28 July 2011 in Accra, with 60 participants from 27 States Parties* present together with a representative of the African Union (AU) Commission.

In her opening statement Ms. Sherry Ayittey, the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and Chairperson of the National Authority of Ghana, challenged the participants to “seize the opportunity to find common solutions to existing and emerging challenges they are confronted with in their respective jurisdictions.”

H.E. Mrs Grace Asirwatham, Deputy Director-General of the OPCW, noted several positive developments on the African continent in recent years. She said many States Parties in the region have demonstrated a new commitment and revived their efforts to ensure the speedy adoption of national implementing legislation and other obligations – a development partly spurred on, she added, by the OPCW’s Programme to Strengthen Cooperation with Africa. The Programme was launched in 2007, and due to the progress made it has been extended for an additional 3-year period.

In a statement read on its behalf, the AU Commission noted that unlike other forms of weapons of mass destruction, chemical weapons can be more easily produced and are of particular risk in the hands of terrorists. Ensuring their complete elimination therefore requires concerted action at the national, regional, continental and global levels. The Commission welcomed further engagement with the OPCW in line with the AU’s firm commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

In addition to discussing issues related to implementation of the Convention in the region, the meeting serves as a forum for States Parties to exchange information, present their needs for assistance, and indicate which forms of assistance they can offer to other States Parties.

* Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia.

Africa's Policy Imperatives: Issue 8

2011-08-16T10:22:00.001+02:00

Issue 8 of ‘Africa’s Policy Imperatives’ focuses on the potential role that Africa can play in the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit. It is an edited and enhanced version of a food for thought paper presented at a diplomatic luncheon hosted by the British High Commission in Pretoria.

Previous editions provided general overviews (and updates) of Africa’s participation in international efforts to strengthen disarmament and non-proliferation through a number of conventions, protocols and agreements, including the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), its adherence in Africa and the potential benefits that Africa can derive from the work of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO); recent developments in the implementation of the Treaty of Pelindaba; and, on ways to enhance the role of the OPCW in building Africa’s capacity to prevent the misuse of toxic chemicals.

This Issue has been compiled as a result of research undertaken since 2007 by the Norwegian and British-funded ISS’ “Africa’s Development and the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction Project”. This project aims to identify and strengthen Africa’s role in these international efforts in the context of the continent’s developmental imperatives.

Sixty-six years on: Nagasaki remembers bombing

2011-08-09T11:30:00.000+02:00

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan at
the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki. (AP)

The United States sent its first representative on Tuesday to the annual memorial for the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, one of two horrific attacks that led Japan to surrender in World War II.

The Nagasaki bombing by the United States 66 years ago killed about 80 000 people. Three days earlier, the US had dropped another nuclear bomb that killed up to 140 000 in the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

US Charge d'Affaires James P Zumwalt, the first American representative to visit the Nagasaki memorial, said that President Barack Obama hoped to work with Japan toward his goal "of realising a world without nuclear weapons" -- a commitment Japan has made repeatedly since the war.

Obama last year sent Ambassador John Roos to the 65th anniversary memorial of the bombing in Hiroshima, and Roos visited Nagasaki twice last year on other dates, according to the US Embassy in Japan.

For a full version of the article, click HERE.

New Global Rules for Sensitive Nuclear Trade

2011-07-29T08:43:00.001+02:00

In June 2011, the 46-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) agreed to new global terms of trade for uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing technology (ENR). The new guidelines were published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week and, according to Mark Higgs of the Carnegie Endowment, the guidelines "represent a patchwork compromise between states most eager to prevent sensitive know-how from proliferating, and others which also fear discrimination by the handful of advanced countries that do nearly all the world’s commercial nuclear fuel processing today".

Read the full version of Higgs's article HERE.

UN General Assembly plenary on revitalizing the CD

2011-07-28T09:58:00.002+02:00

From 27-28 July, the United Nations General Assembly held a plenary meeting on revitalising the Conference on Disarmament (CD). In his statement, the Secretary-General of the UN, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, stressed that "for too long the United Nations multilateral disarmament machinery, in particular the Conference on Disarmament, has failed us".

A number of delegations made statements, including the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the recently-formed Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative.

Copies of these statements can be found on the Reaching Critical Will website.

The General Assembly meeting in New York coincided with the 23rd UN Conference on Disarmament Issues in Matsumoto, Japan, where the head of the UN nuclear agency stressed that all States must comply with their obligations under the international nuclear weapons non-proliferation treaty.

SA marks twentieth anniversary of move from nuclear weapons to nonproliferation

2011-07-11T06:40:00.001+02:00

Pelindaba

On July 10, 1991, South Africa signed the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, better known as the Non Proliferation Treaty and most usually referred to simply as the NPT. This marked the final step in South Africa’s transition from a nuclear weapons State to a country with a nuclear programme that was and is exclusively and verifiably devoted to peaceful ends.

In the process, South Africa became the first country with nuclear weapons to give them up. That nuclear weapons programme, whatever its political or military advisability (or lack thereof), represented a very significant South African scientific, technological and engineering achievement.

For the full article, click HERE

Radiation Scanning Gear Operating in Djibouti

2011-07-07T15:09:00.000+02:00

Djibouti and the United States on Wednesday formally marked the deployment of equipment in the African state to scan shipping containers for smuggled nuclear and radiological material, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration announced (see GSN, Dec. 11, 2008).

The system entered use at the Port of Djibouti in March, and the nation's coast guard is handling any alert raised by the equipment.

"Our partnership at the Port of Djibouti underscores a continued, shared commitment to combating the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive material,” NNSA Deputy Administrator Anne Harrington said in a statement. “With the commissioning of radiation detection equipment at this port, we have increased the level of nuclear security at one of the major shipping points in the Horn of Africa, bringing us one step closer to implementing President Obama’s nuclear security agenda.”

The National Nuclear Security Administration in 2009 began efforts to install detection technology at the port, to educate local authorities in its use, and to inform port managers of the possible threats posed by nuclear and radiological substances.

The semiautonomous Energy Department agency has now deployed radiation detection technology at 36 "Megaports" across the globe. The effort is part of the U.S. Second Line of Defense program, which helps improve detection capabilities for nuclear and radiological materials at foreign seaports, airports and border checkpoints (U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, July 6).

Source: http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20110706_9874.php

Ghana ratifies comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty

2011-06-17T13:21:00.000+02:00

New York, United States - Ghana Wednesday became the 154th nation to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, the Vienna-based Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) said. A CTBTO statement, made available to PANA in New York, quoted Tibor Toth, CTBTO's Executive Secretary, as saying that, 'this important and timely step highlights the importance of the CTBTO for global, regional and national security.' Toth stated: 'Following the entry into force of the Pelindaba Treaty last year, Ghana's ratification of the CTBTO further solidifies the resolve of African nations to forever rid the continent and the world of nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon testing. 'I salute the government of Ghana for taking this step and believe it will inspire other non-ratifying states to hasten their own ratification processes,' he noted.

The statement disclosed that Ghana signed the CTBTO on 3 October, 1996, and the Treaty of Pelindaba, which has established a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Africa, on 11 April, 1996.

'Also, in February 2010, Ghana commissioned its CTBTO National Data Centre, so that it can support international efforts to monitor nuclear weapons testing more effectively,' it said.

It also said that, 'adherence to CTBT is almost universal, with 182 states having signed the Treaty to date.'

In Africa, only two countries have yet to sign the Treaty (Mauritius and Somalia), whereas 12 countries have yet to ratify (Angola, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Swaziland and Zimbabwe).

Among these, ratification by Egypt, an Annex 2 State, is mandatory for the Treaty to enter into force.

The remaining eight Annex 2 States that have yet to ratify are China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the US.

The other 35 Annex 2 States have ratified the Treaty, including the three nuclear weapon States: France, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom.

The CTBTO bans all nuclear explosions.

PANA learnt that a verification regime is being built to monitor compliance with the Treaty.

'By the time the Treaty enters into force, 337 facilities will monitor the oceans, underground and the atmosphere for any sign of a nuclear explosion,' the statement noted.

It added that, '264 facilities have been certified to date and are sending data on a continuous basis to the CTBTO’s International Data Centre in Vienna.'

Source: PANA Afrique en ligne

Press Release: African Union Commission Working Towards Operationalisation of AFCONE

2011-06-01T10:39:00.001+02:00

Addis Ababa, 26 May 2011: The Commission of the African Union (AU) will intensify its efforts in the coming weeks towards the early operationalisation of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), including by finalising its Rules of Procedure, programme of work for 2011‐2013, structure, as well as advertising the position of the AFCONE Executive Secretary.

Mozambique ratifies Biological Weapons Convention

2011-05-27T09:46:00.002+02:00

Mozambique deposited its instrument of accession in London on 29 March 2011, becoming a State Party to the BWC and bringing the membership of the treaty to 164. The President-designate of the Seventh Review Conference of the BWC, Ambassador Paul van den IJssel (Netherlands), warmly welcomed the accession, saying "I congratulate the Government of Mozambique on taking this important step to join the efforts of the international community to strengthen international security by ensuring that biological science and technology is used only for the benefit of people around the world". The President-designate added that by acceding to the BWC Mozambique was setting an example for other African states which are yet to join the treaty. "Mozambique's action demonstrates that the treaty is relevant and provides concrete benefits for security and development, especially in Africa", he said. "I look forward to welcoming the delegation of Mozambique to the Seventh Review Conference as a State Party to the BWC, and to working with Mozambique to further the aims of the treaty in Africa and around the world".

Source: http://www.unog.ch/80256EE600585943/(httpPages)/87CF9BFD24A8D05FC1257574004B285B?OpenDocument

OPCW Council Worried About Libyan Chemical Arsenal

2011-05-10T08:14:00.000+02:00

Source: OPCW website

The Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons last week voiced worries about the protections surrounding a cache of Libyan mustard blister agent and about Tripoli's plans to destroy the material as previously promised (see GSN, May 4).

"I have reminded the Libyan government of its international obligation to meet its destruction deadlines, and I have also reiterated to the [Libyan] National Authority that the responsibility for the physical security of those chemical weapons rests entirely with the Libyan Government," OPCW chief Ahmet Üzümcü said in opening remarks for last week's session of the 41-state council.

Libya is thought to have eliminated more than half of its chemical stockpile, leaving some 9.5 metric tons of mustard agent and a quantity of precursor materials that have yet to be destroyed as mandated by the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The Executive Council gave its "full support for the actions being undertaken by the director general in view of the situation, and encouraged him to continue his efforts," according to an OPCW press release.

The organization added: "The Executive Council, while noting the assurances given by the Libyan representative, urged Libya to ensure the security of the chemical weapons stockpiles and their destruction within the established deadlines."

Tripoli is required to complete destruction of the mustard stock by May 15 and to finish off the precursor material by December 31.

International observers and Libyan rebel leaders have expressed concern that embattled dictator Muammar Qadhafi might try to use the blister agent against opposition forces. Thousands of empty aerial munitions were previously destroyed, seemingly eliminating the regime's ability to mount a chemical air attack (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons release, May 6).

Source: http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20110509_9563.php

The First Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), 4th May 2011, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

2011-05-05T10:47:00.001+02:00

Statement on Nuclear Free Zones in Asia and Africa

2011-05-03T07:55:00.001+02:00

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
May 02, 2011

Statement on Nuclear Free Zones in Asia and Africa

Today the President submitted the Protocols to the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty and the South Pacific Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty to the U.S. Senate for its advice and consent to ratification. This step advances the President’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and to the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.

Regional nuclear weapon free zone agreements reinforce both the commitment of nations not to pursue nuclear weapons and the nearly 65-year record of their non-use. The protocols to the treaties, once ratified, will extend the policy of the United States not to use or threaten use of nuclear weapons against regional zone parties that are members of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and in good standing with their non-proliferation obligations.

As a next step, the United States will engage parties to the two other regional agreements in force, in Southeast Asia and Central Asia, so that we can sign the protocols to those treaties as soon as possible.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/02/statement-nuclear-free-zones-asia-and-africa

Seminar on the OPCW’s Contribution to Security and Non-Proliferation of Chemical Weapons

2011-04-19T09:08:00.001+02:00

On 11 and 12 April 2011, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) hosted a seminar on the Organisation's contribution to Security and Non-Proliferation at the OPCW Headquarters. The key focus of the seminar was on "how the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) can contribute to the international objectives of achieving security and non-proliferation with regard to toxic chemicals, and how the OPCW’s role as a forum for international cooperation can be strengthened".

The seminaralso raised issues of "how to adapt the OPCW to changing realities so that its verification and implementation measures under the CWC continue to help prevent the re-emergence of chemical weapons. The completion of destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles in the coming years will shift the global focus from disarmament to preventing the recurrence of chemical warfare in any form".

African presentations:

Source: http://www.opcw.org/news/article/seminar-on-the-opcws-contribution-to-security-and-non-proliferation-of-chemical-weapons-concludes/

New Publication: Securing Africa's Nuclear Resources

2011-03-29T07:24:00.000+02:00

From 1 - 2 February 2011, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), with support from the British High Commission in South Africa, hosted an experts workshop on ‘Securing Africa’s Nuclear Resources’, bringing together a range of African stakeholders including officials from various South African government departments, African national nuclear regulators, power plants, atomic energy commissions and radiation protection authorities, the Africa Regional Co-operative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA), the African Union (AU), and the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA).

The findings of this workshop and the nuclear security research undertaken by the WMD Project are included in the comprehensive publication entitled 'Securing Africa's Nuclear Resources'.

Click HERE for the electronic version.

Lecture: The Fukushima Tragedy – Is Koeberg Next?

2011-03-25T10:21:00.002+02:00

On 24 March 2011, The University of Pretoria's Graduate School of Technology Management hosted a lecture by Professor Johan Slabber entitled 'The Fukushima Tragedy - Is Koeberg Next?'.

Exterior of Fukushima Plant (Photo: AP)

The lecture focused predominantly on the science of nuclear reactor technology, especially radiation, and also took a brief look at the design apsects of the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan and South Africa's Koeberg nuclear power plant. According to Professor Slabber's presentation, due to it's design and South Africa's distance from any significant geographic fault lines, Koeberg will not suffer the same fate as Fukushima in the event of a natural disaster.

A copy of Prof Slabber's presentation can be found HERE.

A short introduction video of the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan can be viewed HERE.

Russia Ratifies African Nuke-Free Zone Pact

2011-03-15T09:03:00.002+02:00

Monday, March 14, 2011

Russia's State Duma on Friday endorsed a 1996 treaty prohibiting the presence, assembly, acquisition and use of nuclear weapons on the African continent, ITAR-Tass reported (see GSN, March 14).

The African Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, also known as the Pelindaba Treaty, officially took effect in August 2009. Signatories are banned from launching nuclear strikes against African states and from carrying out or supporting nuclear testing on the continent.

"The importance of the document to us stems from the fact we are strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime, and reaffirm our commitment to the obligations which Russia assumed when it signed the [Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty]. Also, we contribute to strengthening the nonproliferation regime in the world," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told lawmakers on Friday. "Multilateral nonproliferation mechanisms acquire new dimensions."

"Russia signed the treaty with a number of reservations," Ryabkov said. "They stipulate that we do not assume the obligation not to use nuclear weapons against states that are part of the zone free from nuclear weapons in Africa in situations where they have allied commitments to other nuclear states and may participate in military actions using nuclear weapons against Russia, or are members of the corresponding coalitions."

"In signing this treaty the reservation was made it does not apply to the U.S. base of Diego Garcia (an island of the Chagos Archipelago, the Indian Ocean)," he said. "This is an important reservation, which allows us to fully maintain our own security in hypothetical situations of the emergence [of] crises or conflicts in which the potential use of nuclear weapons is possible" (ITAR-Tass, March 12).

Source: http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/siteservices/print_friendly.php?ID=nw_20110314_6782

Cameroon Ratifies Treaty of Pelindaba

2011-02-17T16:08:00.001+02:00

On 28 September 2010, Cameroon became the 31st African country to deposit its instrument of ratification to Africa's Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba) with the African Union (AU), having ratified the Treaty on 11 June 2010.

The restructuring of the AU website may be a reason for the delay of the announcement. At the First Conference of States Parties which took place in Addis Ababa on 4 November 2010, the decision was made that one of the 12 Commissioners of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) would come from Cameroon.

Click HERE for the latest Treaty of Pelindaba country list.

Analysts Worry Over Egypt's WMD Past in Uncertain Future

2011-02-10T10:25:00.000+02:00

Re-posted from Global Security Newswire, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011

As Egypt remains in a state of political upheaval, observers worry about what would happen to any potential WMD resources in the hands of a potential new government with unpredictable foreign policy aims, NBC News reported yesterday (see GSN, Nov. 15, 2010).

Intelligence documents and U.S. officials indicate that Washington's longtime ally has clandestinely conducted research on nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction for decades.
"If we found another country doing what they've done, we would have been all over them," an unidentified ex-U.S. intelligence officer said.

Cairo has acknowledged that it sought to acquire a nuclear weapons capability in the 1960s after it discovered Israel had also developed nuclear arms. Egypt joined the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in 1968 and, under the now-embattled Mubarak regime, has led calls for the Middle East to be established as a WMD-free zone. Egyptian officials, however, have hinted that should Iran acquire a nuclear weapons capability that their nation would pursue a deterrent of its own (see GSN, June 10, 2010).

Egyptian demands that Israel and Iran curb their nuclear activities "are hard to meet," according to Institute for Science and International Security President David Albright. If a planned 2012 U.N. meeting on establishing a WMD-free zone in the Middle East fails to make progress "that could be a catalyst for [the Egyptians] to leave the" Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

Last year, the International Atomic Energy Agency announced it had launched a probe into the origins of highly enriched uranium particles that turned up at an Egyptian atomic research center in 2007 and 2008. The U.N. nuclear watchdog also chastised Cairo in 2005 for not reporting a number of atomic experiments over the years. The Arab state has conducted both plutonium processing and uranium enrichment endeavors, NBC reported. The plutonium work seems to have been abandoned two decades ago.

Cairo said it had "differing interpretations" with the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding the nation's duties under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

Egypt halted a nascent civilian atomic energy effort following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Last month, Cairo said it expected to soon call for international proposals to build the first of four planned atomic energy reactors (see GSN, Jan. 19).

Albright said Cairo's atomic operations suggest it is seeking full nuclear cycle capabilities, which can produce both nuclear reactor fuel and fissile material.

"For 15 years, they have made credible moves to build up their nuclear fuel cycle capability," he said.
Naval Postgraduate School nonproliferation analyst James Russell, though, argued it would be foolish for economic and political reasons for Cairo to return to its nuclear weapons research.

"The question is, would a follow-on regime [to Mubarak] want to revisit this?" Russell said. "Would it look at the set of calculations and pursue not a peaceful program but consider constructing an illicit program? The answer is that we don't know, but we do have an idea of what the costs of doing that would be ... and the prospect that they'd have a pretty damn difficult time trying to hide it."

Thus far, Egyptian protesters have been focused on domestic political and economic grievances with the Mubarak regime. Foreign policy matters and religious issues have largely been absent from their demands, which include free and fair elections and a new constitution. Former IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei has become a senior opposition figure and has been raised as a potential leader of any transitional government (see GSN, March 17, 2010).

"The calculus argues for not doing this ... even for an Islamic regime," Russell said.
Still, Egypt does not "have a clean record" in other fields of weapons proliferation, according to Russell and others. Should the United States end its substantial military subsidies to Egypt, Cairo might decide to make up the difference by producing and exporting additional arms systems.
A lengthy 2005 CIA report stated that Iraq in 1981 paid Egypt $12 million "in return for assistance with production and storage of chemical weapons agents."

The help was said to encompass aid in the production of sarin nerve agent weapons and alterations enabling Iraqi rocket technology to allow the weapons to hold and release chemical toxins. Iraq used chemical weapons in its 1980-88 war against Iran.

Sarin is one of the most complex chemical warfare agents and Egypt's development of the toxin is a sign of the country's chemical weapons sophistication, defense analysts say.
Egypt also used chemical weapons against Yemen in the 1960s. It has neither signed nor ratified the Conventional Weapons Convention.

The nation in the 1980s also collaborated with North Korea on missile upgrades for both states, NBC News reported (Robert Windrem, NBC News, Feb. 7).

Afican Union Decision on the Report of the Peace and Security Council in its Activities and the State of Peace and Security in Africa - Assembly/AU/5(XVI)

2011-02-09T12:26:00.000+02:00

The Assembly of the African Union Sixteenth Ordinary Session took place from 30 - 31 January 2011 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Included in the Decision on the Report of the Peace and Security Council in its Activities and the State of Peace and Security in Africa was a paragraph on the Treaty of Pelindaba.

The Assembly,

"29. WELCOMES the convening, by the Commission, of the 1st Conference of State Parties to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (Pelindaba Treaty) in Addis Ababa, on 4 November 2010, which elected the members of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (ACNE) and established its headquarters in South Africa. The Assembly EXPRESSES AU’s conviction that the African Nuclear- Weapon-Free Zone constitutes an important step towards strengthening the non- proliferation regime, promoting cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, promoting general and complete disarmament, and enhancing regional and international peace and security. The Assembly CALLS UPON the AU Member States that have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the Treaty of Pelindaba without further delay, and APPEALS to the concerned non-African States to speedily sign and ratify the relevant Protocols to the Pelindaba Treaty and to comply with all the commitments contained therein;"

Click HERE for the full version of the Decision

Anti-nuclear activist dies at 73

2011-01-25T12:15:00.000+02:00


Ole Andreas Kopreitan with his buttons on a crowded Karl Johans Gate.	PHOTO: Nei til atomvåpen

January 24, 2011

He was perhaps best known for pushing a cart laden with buttons advocating a ban on nuclear weapons and other political causes, but Ole Kopreitan was much more than a fixture on Oslo’s main boulevard, Karl Johans Gate. He was a committed and award-winning peace activist.

Kopreitan, who died on Monday at the age of 73, spent more than 30 years leading the Norwegian organization committed to nuclear disarmament Nei til atomvåpen (No to Nuclear Weapons). It was founded in 1979 with the goal of abolishing nuclear weapons, working in cooperation with the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and Pugwash, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995.

He was also, however, an environmental activist and among the first to publicly oppose apartheid in South Africa and put it on the national political agenda in Norway. He even stormed a tennis match between Norway and South Africa in 1964 to protest apartheid, years before the international anti-apartheid movement gained steam.

Kopreitan headed the socialist youth association (Sosialistisk Ungdomsforbund), was party secretary for the former Sosialistisk Folkeparti, forerunner of today’s Socialist Left party (SV), and played a major role in the campaign against joining the forerunner of the European Union in 1972.

In 2003 he won the Nuclear-Free Future Award, presented by the Franz Moll Foundation, for his “ongoing political clarification” as a pacifist and leading activist in the worldwide anti-nuclear movement. He also won the Zola Award in 2002, for championing civilian movements.

He was born in Stavanger and grew up at Hitra before moving to the Oslo area and eventually to the capital to become a teacher. In between all his social engagements, he pushed his cart, a converted baby carriage, up and down Karl Johans Gate, stopping to sell buttons, hand out pamphlets and chat with passersby, in the hopes of winning their support for his causes.

Kristin Halvorsen, a government minister who’s head of SV, said Kopreitan would be missed. “He had an intense commitment, was brave and an untiring proponent of disarmament and justice,” Halvorsen said. SV’s current party secretary, Silje Schei Tveitdal, called Kopreitan “a pillar of the peace movement.”

Source: Views and News from Norway/Nina Berglund

WMD Project becomes International Partner to Fissile Materials Working Group

2010-11-26T13:28:00.000+02:00

The ISS’s “Africa’s Development and the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction” has recently become an “International Partner” of the Fissile Materials Working Group (FMWG). The Fissile Materials Working Group (www.fmwg.org ) is a coalition of over 40 U.S. experts representing many of the top non-proliferation and nuclear security organizations in the US and also includes several international partner organisations. Members of the FMWG collaborate in order to create consensus behind top fissile materials priorities, develop actionable policy proposals, and package recommendations for implementation by the U.S. administration and foreign government officials. The WMD Project recently participated in the “The Nuclear Forum” in Cairo in October. PowerPoint presentations that were made at this meeting are available at: http://fmwg.presstools.org/node/36207

18 November 2010: ISS Today: African Commission on Nuclear Energy Begins to Take Shape

2010-11-18T19:36:00.001+02:00

Noel Stott and Amelia Broodryk, Arms Management Programme, ISS Pretoria

The pan-African body responsible for ensuring that African States and States such as the USA, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom comply with the Treaty of Pelindaba establishing Africa as a nuclear weapon-free zone, took a step closer to being created when the First Conference of Parties was held in Addis Ababa on 4 November 2010.

The Treaty of Pelindaba, which entered into force in July 2009, ensures that nuclear weapons are not developed, produced, tested, or otherwise acquired or stationed anywhere on the African continent or its associated islands. Under Article 12 (Mechanism for Compliance) the Parties agree to establish an African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) in order to ensure compliance with these undertakings and to promote co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The First Conference of Parties was attended by AU Member States Parties to the Treaty of Pelindaba: Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, representatives of countries not yet party were also present including Egypt, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ghana, Namibia, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Sudan and Uganda as well as nuclear weapon states.

Prior to the Conference, the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee adopted by consensus a resolution on the Treaty of Pelindaba calling on all African States to ratify it and for the nuclear weapon states to sign and ratify the Protocols concerning them as soon as possible and for relevant states contemplated in Protocol III to the Treaty to take all necessary measures to ensure the speedy application of the Treaty to territories for which they are, de jure or de facto, internationally responsible and that lie within the limits of the geographical zone established in the Treaty.

Speaking on behalf of the United Kingdom and the United States, France, on 27 October noted that France and the United Kingdom have committed themselves not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against any African State party to the treaty and that the US has announced that it has began the process of ratification of the protocols annexed to the Treaty. India, although not a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and therefore not a recognised nuclear weapon state also conveyed its unambiguous assurance that it will respect the status of the African Nuclear weapon Free Zone.

In a related development, a Conference on Diego Garcia & Chagos held at Grande Riviere, Port Louis, Mauritius, from 30 October to 2 November 2010, resolved to ‘make a formal demand for UN inspections under the Pelindaba Treaty, as soon as the mechanism for doing so comes into force later this year’… ‘in the context of the struggle for the complete decolonization of the Republic of Mauritius, the dismantling of the British Indian Ocean Territories colony, and the re-unification of the country and for the closing down of the US military base on Diego Garcia’. Diego Garcia, which falls within the Zone, is currently under the control of the UK and leased to the US as a military base. The African Union, however, considers the islands to be part of Mauritius. While the airstrip on Diego Garcia played a central role in the war against Iraq and Afghanistan from 1991 to 2006, it is not known if the US has ever stored, or currently stores nuclear weapons on the Indian Ocean island.

According to the African Union’s Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ramtane Lamamra, the Treaty is part a wider strategy to implement the Common African Defence and Security Policy, as adopted by the Second Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Head of States and Government, held in Sirte, Libya, on 28 February 2004 and is thus a key component of the overall peace and security architecture of the AU.

Participants endorsed a decision taken in Cairo in 1996 to establish the headquarters of AFCONE in South Africa. The Treaty makes provision for 12 Commissioners to be elected as members of the AFCONE. At the conference the following countries were elected: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mauritius, Senegal, South Africa, Togo and Tunisia.

A further meeting will be held in within the next six months to decide on the structure and budget of AFCONE, as well as its programme of activities.

Source: http://www.issafrica.org/iss_today.php?ID=1064

Africa Signs MOU With Korea on Nuclear Safety

2010-10-26T08:17:00.000+02:00

The Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa, FNRBA, an umbrella association of national nuclear regulatory agencies in the continent, is to cooperate with South Korea in a wide range of areas in the field of nuclear and radiation safety. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the FNRBA and the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, KINS, the nuclear regulatory agency in Korea. Professor Shamsideen Elegba, Director-General, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, NNRA, who is also the Chairperson of the Forum, signed for FNRBA while Professor Choul Ho Yun, President of KINS, signed for his organisation.

The MOU is widely seen as important to the 33 African countries which are members of the FNRBA, especially 22 of them pursuing a nuclear power programme for electricity generation like Nigeria. It is pertinent to note that South Korea has over 30 years experience in the safe operation of Nuclear Power Plants, NPPs, and has 20 NPPs in operation with six more currently under construction. In addition, South Korea has the world's first International Nuclear Safety School which is an IAEA regional training centre in Asia, awarding up to Masters Degree in nuclear and radiation safety. It is noteworthy that two members of staff of the NNRA are currently on scholarship in that highly competitive programme.

The MoU, which is on a basis of equality and reciprocity, borders on areas of mutual cooperation between the signing parties especially in the areas of capacity building, staff training and sharing of experience. Both parties, under the MoU, can exchange experts and other scientific and technical personnel; participate in studies, symposia, seminars as well as other activities related to nuclear and radiation safety.

The MoU was signed in the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria, where the signatories were among the delegates for the 54th International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA's, General Conference in which 151 member-countries of the IAEA discussed issues of global importance in the nuclear world.

Hamisu Muhammad - Daily Trust

OPCW Director-General Visits Namibia and South Africa

2010-10-05T15:42:00.000+02:00

The OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, made his first visit to the African region since assuming office in late July with visits to Namibia and South Africa on 27 and 28 September 2010, respectively.

In Windhoek, Director-General Üzümcü participated in the opening session of the 8th Regional Meeting of Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) National Authorities of States Parties in Africa, jointly organised by the OPCW and by the Government of Namibia. The gathering attracted 52 participants from 38 States Parties* - the most ever for a National Authorities meeting in Africa - and was opened by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, the Hon. Tjekero Tweya.

In his statement to the meeting, the Director-General noted that the OPCW has reached out to institutions in Africa dealing with international peace and security issues, placing particular emphasis on working with regional and sub-regional Parliamentary organisations. He stressed the importance of developing greater synergies through regional and sub-regional cooperation in Africa, and that the Secretariat has been taking pro-active steps to encourage such cooperation among States Parties.

While in Windhoek Director-General Üzümcü also met with a number of senior Namibian officials, including the Hon. Dr. Hage Geingob, Minister of Trade and Industry; the Hon Isak Katali, the Minister of Mines and Energy; the Hon. Peya Mushelenga, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the Hon. Mrs L. Kasingo, Deputy Speaker of the Namibian Parliament. He provided the Namibian representatives an update on the status of implementation of the CWC, including measures taken by the OPCW to strengthen cooperation with States Parties in Africa.

In South Africa, the Director-General met with the Chairperson of the South African National Authority, Ambassador Abdul Minty, and visited the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria, where he discussed the role of NGOs and academia in helping to promote the Convention. He also toured Protechnik Laboratories, which has closely cooperated with the OPCW in training programmes to build CWC implementation capacity in African institutions and laboratories.

*Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

OPCW NEWS 30/2010 THE HAGUE, 5 OCTOBER 2010

Nigeria applies for membership of IAEA

2010-09-27T08:20:00.000+02:00

Nigerian Compass

27 September, 2010

Samuel Ogidan

NIGERIA has applied for the membership of the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The position is expected to strengthen the nation’s quest for nuclear technology.

The country’s strong interest in the esteemed board is informed by the need to further advance the primary objective of applying nuclear technology to peaceful purposes, which for most developing countries, including Nigeria, has become more critical now than ever before.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Mohammed Abubakar, said this at the 54th regular session of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) general conference, held in Vienna, Australia.

Abubakar disclosed that Nigeria’s intention to occupy the seat vacated by the fellow West African state of Burkina Faso in the board, adding that as a current member of the Security Council, Nigeria is determined to present a strong voice for Africa on issues of particular interest to the continent.

According to him, “it is worthy of note that Nigeria has played a pre-eminent role in the conception, negotiation, adoption and entry into force of the Treaty of Pelindaba on African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone.”

The minister commended the efforts of the agency for its sustained commitment to ensure stiff resistance to attempts at proliferation of nuclear materials for weapons purposes, as this would ultimately be one of the key bases for enthronement of international peace and security.

Abubakar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the basic tenets of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Pelindaba Treaty on African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone which entered into force in July last year.

He re-emphasised the point that the country’s nascent science and technology programmes are purely for peaceful purposes, and are aimed at enhancing the living standards of Nigeria people.

According to him, “Nigeria fully understands that the successful implementation of its nuclear power programme is hinged on the availability of adequate and qualified manpower. Consequently, we are committed to building the requisite human capacity, and in this respect have established two additional nuclear energy training centres with the mandate to provide essential professional education in nuclear science and engineering”.

South Africa pushes for more African countries in IAEA

2010-09-23T08:53:00.001+02:00

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
Date: 22 Sep 2010
Title: SA pushes for more African countries in IAEA
--------------------

Pretoria - South Africa has called for more representation of African countries in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

South African Ambassador to the IAEA, Abdul Minty, told a conference in Vienna that failure to achieve this would delay the agency's democratisation. He added that the IAEA would fall short of being a truly inclusive multilateral body.

"South Africa is of the view that there should be an increase in the number of African countries in the board of governors, reflecting the proportionate increase to 42 African countries that are members of the IAEA," said Minty.

The week-long meeting, which started on Monday, will discuss issues such as safety and security, technical cooperation and nuclear application. Middle East nuclear issues are expected to top the agenda. The IAEA called for Iran to cooperate more with the agency to clarify the nature of its nuclear programme.

Minty said South Africa remained committed to strengthening international cooperation against nuclear terrorism and promoting nuclear safety. He said the IAEA needed to enhance its role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, security and non-proliferation.

South Africa also wants a stronger voice for developing countries.

"The role of nuclear technologies for the development of the African continent cannot be overlooked," Minty said, adding that Africa needed to improve the use of nuclear technologies.

He also highlighted the importance of the Technical Cooperation (TC) Fund, which he believes should form an integral part of the IAEA budget.

"South Africa believes a step in this direction would constitute a long overdue correction of a fundamental mistake of funding the TC through voluntary contributions, when it is in fact a core activity of the Agency," said Minty. - BuaNews

ISS Seminar, Pretoria: Rethinking Nuclear Weapons: the Myth of Deterrence

2010-09-15T09:49:00.005+02:00

Event Date: Wednesday 13th October - 2010

Organised by the Africa's Development and the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction Project, Arms Management Programme

Speaker: Ward Wilson, Senior Fellow, CNS, Monterey Institute

Ward Wilson is Director of the Rethinking Nuclear Weapons Project of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. In 2007, he published "The Winning Weapon? Rethinking Nuclear Weapons in Light of Hiroshima" which posed a radical challenge to established thinking about the importance and role of nuclear weapons. According to the distinguished physicist Freeman Dyson, the article "effectively demolishes the generally-accepted myth that the atomic bombings brought World War II to an end."

This seminar explores the need for a paradigm shift in the way we think about nuclear weapons in light of practical, pragmatic challenges to their usefulness. Africa, the only continent that has built, abandoned and prohibited nuclear weapons by law, has a natural leadership role in that process. South Africa, because it built and discarded nuclear weapons, has a special contribution to make.

(Parking in Brooklyn Mall and ABSA Court)

Please note that discussions occur under the ISS Rule, which means no attribution without specific permission.

Event Time: 10h30 (tea and coffee)
   11h00 (seminar starts)
   13h00 (light lunch)

Event Venue: ISS Conference Room
   Block C, Brooklyn Court
   361 Veale Street
   New Muckleneuk, Pretoria

RSVP: Amelia Broodryk
   E-mail: abroodryk@issafrica.org

Phone: (012) 346 9500
Fax: (012) 460 0998

or Register here

Zambia ratifies Treaty of Pelindaba

2010-08-31T14:05:00.002+02:00

On 18 August 2010, Zambia became the 30th country to deposit its instrument of ratification to Africa's Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba), having ratified the Treaty on 28 June 2010.

In a statement to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) 2010 Review Conference held from 3 - 28 May 2010 in New York, Zambia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that the country was in the final stages of ratifying the Treaty of Pelindaba.

It is hoped that other African states will follow Zambia's example and ratify before the first Conference of States Parties to the Treaty is held in late October 2010.

UPDATED: List of Countries that have signed/ratified Treaty of Pelindaba

ISS TODAY: 30 Aug 2010: Major Boost for Africa’s Quest to be Nuclear Weapon Free

2010-08-30T10:50:00.000+02:00

Amelia Broodryk, Researcher and Noel Stott, Senior Research Fellow, WMD Project, Arms Management Programme, ISS Pretoria

In a great show of support for Africa’s Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba), Russian Federation President, Dmitry Medvedev has submitted two protocols attached to the Treaty of Pelindaba to the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia (parliament or Duma) for ratification.

This follows the Treaty’s entry-into-force in July 2009, when Burundi became the 28th African States Party, and the announcement by the United States of America at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in May 2010 that it would submit the protocols to its Senate for ratification.

The Treaty of Pelindaba seeks to ensure that nuclear weapons are not developed, produced, tested, or otherwise acquired or stationed anywhere on the African continent or its associated islands. While enhancing both regional and global peace and security, it also provides for the promotion of co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy on the African continent.

As of 1 August 2010, all 53 African states, as well as the territory known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, have signed the Treaty, and 29 countries have deposited their instruments of ratification with the African Union Commission (the Treaty Depository) - Tunisia having ratified in October 2009.

Like other Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) treaties, attached to the Treaty of Pelindaba are three Protocols for the five Nuclear Weapons States (NWS) and other relevant non-state parties to sign and ratify. The NWS are the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia and the United States, while relevant ‘non-state parties’ refer to France and Spain who are de jure or de facto in control of territories situated within the zone.

Protocol I calls on NWS not to use or threaten to use a nuclear weapon against any Party to the Treaty and against any territory within the zone. It has been signed by all the NWS and ratified by France, China and the UK. Protocol II calls on the NWS not to participate or assist in or encourage the testing of a nuclear explosive device on the continent. It has been signed by all the NWS and has, so far, been ratified by France, China and the UK. Protocol III calls upon France and Spain to apply the principles of the Treaty to the territories under their control. Since France and Spain possess islands within the African NWFZ, Protocol III is open for signature by these countries. France signed and ratified the Protocol in 1997, but Spain (which is a non-nuclear weapons state party to the NPT) has not done so. According to Spain, three territories controlled by the country, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla (the latter two being coastal enclaves in Morocco) are an integral part of the European Union. Therefore, Spain insists that these three territories should not be included within the African NWFZ. Spain has also argued that the Protocol does not contain any non-proliferation or disarmament provisions that Spain has not already signed on to. Even though Spain cites its adherence to European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, which in its view contain provisions that go considerably beyond those contained in the Treaty of Pelindaba, this should not preclude them from adhering to the Treaty of Pelindaba. By adhering to the Protocols, these states would commit themselves to respecting the status of the zone.

Once Russia has ratified, it will provide a legally binding negative security guarantee that it will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against any African state and that it will not test nuclear weapons on the entire African continent as well as the following islands: Agalega Island, Bassas da India, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Cardagos Carajos Shoals, Chagos Archipelago - Diego Garcia, Comoros, Europa, Juan de Nova, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Prince Edward & Marion Islands, Sao Tome and Principe, Reunion, Rodrigues Island, Seychelles, Tromelin Island, and Zanzibar & Pemba Islands.

Russia signed both Protocol I and Protocol II in November 1996 relatively soon after the Treaty was opened for signature on 11 April 1996 in Cairo, Egypt. However, on signing, the Federation made it clear that it would “not use nuclear weapons against a State which is a party to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty excluding [emphasis added] the cases of invasion or any other armed attack on the Russian Federation, its territory, its armed forces or other troops, its allies or a State towards which it has a security commitment, carried out or sustained by a non-nuclear-weapons State party to the Treaty in association or alliance with a nuclear-weapon State”.

In addition and importantly, Russia could not regard itself as bound by the obligations under Protocol I with respect of the Chagos archipelago islands (Diego Garcia) as they do not meet the requirements put forward by the Treaty for nuclear-weapon-free territories. In the past, both the UK and the US have argued that Diego Garcia cannot be included in the geographical area of the Treaty of Pelindaba as it is a British possession used by the United States as a major military base. The US lease of Diego Garcia runs until 2016. However, UN resolutions 1514 and 2066 support Mauritius’ claims to these islands.

The map annexed to the Treaty (Annex I), explicitly includes the Chagos Archipelago although with a note in reference to the long-standing diplomatic dispute between the UK and Mauritius. The African Union has also issued a resolution urging the UK Government "to immediately enter into direct and constructive dialogue with Mauritius so as to enable the early return of the sovereignty of Mauritius." While the airstrip on Diego Garcia played a central role in the war against Iraq and Afghanistan from 1991 to 2006, and by the United Nations during its military intervention in Somalia in 1992, it is not known if the US has ever stored nuclear weapons on the Indian Ocean island. It now provides oil storage tanks and shelters for US naval supplies, accommodates surveillance planes, jet fighters and military transport aircraft, and acts as a staging area for ground troops.

If, and when the US Senate ratifies these Protocols, it will be interesting to see if they recognise that their undertaking also applies to their activities on the island of Diego Garcia or whether they will include a reservation or declarative interpretation. If the latter, Russia will also not feel legally bound by its obligations under Protocol I with respect of the atoll.

Under Article 12 (Mechanism for compliance) and after entry-into-force, the Parties agree to establish an African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) in order to ensure compliance with their undertakings. According to the Treaty, a Conference of all Parties to the Treaty shall be convened by the Depositary (that is, the African Union) as soon as possible after the entry into force of the Treaty. The Cairo Declaration, which was adopted on the occasion of the signing of the Treaty of Pelindaba, on 11 April 1996, clearly states that the first session of the Conference of States Parties to the Treaty shall be held not later than one year after its entry into force, and also endorsed the establishment of the headquarters of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy in South Africa [emphasis added]. The African Union is yet to host the Conference.

Foot Notes:

Russia backs African nuclear treaty. United Press International, 24 August 2010. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/08/24/Russia-backs-African-nuclear-treaty/UPI-65881282680525/

Statement by Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton to the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, General Debate, New York, 3 May 2010.

See www.reconnectafrica.com/.../challenging-colonialism-in-mauritius.html for an interview with the Mauritian High Commissioner to the UK.

Rachael Bradley, Diego Garcia - Britain in the Dock, IBRU Boundary and Security Bulletin, Spring 1999.

29 August: International Day Against Nuclear Tests

2010-08-30T08:10:00.000+02:00

United Nations Secretary-General's Message

"This day marks the first observance of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, proposed in 2009 by the Government of Kazakhstan at the sixty-fourth session of the United Nations General Assembly. The fact that the proposal won unanimous support reflects the deep concern of the international community about the dangers posed by such tests.

It was on 29 August 1991 that the President of Kazakhstan closed the test site at Semipalatinsk, where 456 nuclear tests conducted during the Cold War era devastated the landscape and left enduring effects on the local population. I witnessed this toxic legacy first-hand when I visited Semipalatinsk earlier this year.

Today, with Kazakhstan having banished nuclear weapons and joined in creating a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia, Semipalatinsk has become a powerful symbol. It tells us that a world free of nuclear weapons is achievable.

There is real momentum behind this great cause. This year, the successful conclusion of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference invigorated the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Bold initiatives by world leaders and civil society are showing the way toward changed policies and reduced arsenals. As we mark the first International Day against Nuclear Tests, I look forward to working with all partners to rein in spending on nuclear weapons and rid the world of the nuclear threat. A central pillar of this strategy is the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Constraining research and development on nuclear weapons is a potentially powerful tool in strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime.
The CTBT was adopted in 1996 but has yet to enter into force. I have called for a timeline of achieving this goal by 2012. Pending the treaty’s entry into force, I urge all States to implement a moratorium on all nuclear explosions.

We cannot pass these challenges to succeeding generations. We must each do our part to build a safer, more secure world today."

Source: http://www.un.org/en/events/againstnucleartestsday/sgmessage2010.shtml

Russia backs African nuclear treaty

2010-08-25T12:28:00.000+02:00

MOSCOW, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Even though Russia and the United States have the world's largest nuclear arsenals, Moscow is backing a nuclear initiative to ensure that Africa remains free of nuclear weapons.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has submitted to the Duma for ratification two protocols to a treaty establishing Africa as a nuclear-free weapons zone, Itar-Tass reported.

The protocols propose a ban on nuclear tests in Africa along with the use of nuclear weapons against African countries.

The African Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Treaty, also known as the Pelindaba Treaty was signed in Cairo in 1996 but only formally entered into force last year. Twenty-four African countries have signed but not yet ratified the treaty.

The Pelindaba Treaty's Article Three prohibits the development, production and acquisition of nuclear weapons in Africa or in the surrounding islands, while Article Four bans their stationing throughout signatory countries and Article Five prohibits their testing.

In an article with possible relevance to Israel's standoff with Iran over its civilian nuclear program and rumors of a possible attack on its recently completed nuclear power station at Bushehr, the Pelindaba Treaty's Article 11, "Prohibition of armed attack on nuclear installations" states, "Each Party undertakes not to take, or assist, or encourage any action aimed at an armed attack by conventional or other means against nuclear installations in the African nuclear-weapon-free zone."

The Pelindaba Treaty requires all signatory states to apply International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards to all their peaceful nuclear energy activities and the treaty contains mechanisms to verify compliance, including the establishment of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy, which would have headquarters in South Africa.

Russia has long supported as the Pelindaba Treaty, having signed it in 1996 at the headquarters of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa. One of the Russian protocols states that the signatory is obliged not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against "any area within the zone free from nuclear weapons in Africa," while the other concerns nuclear tests.

Britain, France and China have already signed and ratified the protocols.The United States has persistently supported efforts to denuclearize Africa since the first U.N. General Assembly resolution on the issue in 1965.

Roiling international issues around the treaty is the status of the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, controlled by the United Kingdom and currently leased as a military base by the United States, leaving its status under terms of the treaty unclear, especially as Diego Garcia is part of the Chagos Archipelago claimed by Mauritius despite British claims of sovereignty.

Source: UPI.com

Nuclear News: South Africa

2010-08-20T08:29:00.001+02:00

Developing the country's youth

After the 2010 International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC), in July, which celebrated its tenth anniversary and was hosted in South Africa for the first time, the country’s Department of Energy (DoE) and the IYNC aim to continue to develop youth in the nuclear industry, as well as promote the industry.

“It is essential that there is active participation by the youth around the world in the demystification of nuclear energy applications,” said DoE Minister Dipuo Peters at the conference, which was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

An important aspect of a nuclear expansion programme is skills development and skills transfer, but an expansion programme would not succeed without simultaneously dealing with public perceptions and concerns, she added.

The hosting of the congress was the first step in introducing the South African nuclear industry to the activities of the IYNC, said Peters.

See the full story at: http://bit.ly/9SWH4J

Consulting firm has  expertise for SA’s  developing nuclear  industry

As many countries around the world prepare to further develop nuclear power,   South Africa is alert to the trend and has the expertise ready to meet the  demand for local nuclear energy, reports consulting engineers and scientists firm SRK Cape Town corporate consultant and partner Peter Rosewarne.

He says that, with the burning of fossil fuels being a contributor to greenhouse gases and global warming, there is a need for South Africa to increase its capacity for power generation from cleaner sources. 

“Nuclear power is one such source and countries such as the UK, France, China and Germany have identified nuclear power as a way forward,” he says.

South Africa’s National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is also currently in the process of  revisiting its regulatory requirements, guidelines and processes and updating them  wherever necessary.

See the full story at: http://bit.ly/bNYWPa

No ‘dirty bomb’ plot, South Africa says

An “industrial nuclear device” seized in a dramatic Pretoria police bust last month was radioactive cesium destined for a mining company in the Congo, not a terrorist group, a South African police official told SpyTalk on Thursday.

An extensive undercover investigation by South Africa’s elite “Hawks” police unit, assisted by Interpol, had culminated in a July 9 shootout at a gas station and the arrest of five men said to be part of a criminal gang that had spent months trying to sell stolen cesium worth $6 million to $7 million.

In part because police said they were desperately searching for a much larger cache of the highly toxic material, the arrests sparked worldwideheadlines about a possible terrorist plot to obtain the cesium for a “dirty bomb” -- a mix of radioactive material and common explosives.

See the full story at: http://bit.ly/9Pfn1i

First commercial-sized shipment of medical  isotopes to the US

NTP Radioisotopes, a subsidiary of the State-owned Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa), has successfully delivered the first official commercial-sized shipment of low-enriched-uranium- (LEU-)  based Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99)  to the US. The shipment arrived  in the US on July 21 to under-go a series of quality tests. During the nuclear security summit, held in Washington, in April, Necsa and NTP committed to supply LEU-based medical isotopes to  the US.

See the full story at: http://bit.ly/c01M2a

U.N. Chief Seeks Global Nuclear Disarmament Within Lifetime

2010-08-04T09:00:00.000+02:00

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon yesterday said he would seek the elimination of all nuclear weapons before the end of his life, Kyodo News reported (see GSN, July 19).

Addressing whether he wants a nuclear weapon-free world to be achieved within his lifetime, he said, "That's my goal."

Ban also called for the spread of nuclear weapons materials to end "as soon as possible."

The U.N. leader expressed support for a disarmament time line, promoted by the organization Mayors for Peace, that calls for worldwide nuclear disarmament by 2020. He also backed in principle the group's goal of convening an international conference next year to negotiate a global nuclear weapons ban (Kyodo News/Breitbart.com, Aug. 2).

Ban is expected to reaffirm his call for a nuclear weapon free-world during a five-day visit to Japan this week. His visit, set to begin today, would mark the 65th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bomb attacks on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Jiji Press reported (Jiji Press, Aug. 2).

U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos is slated Friday to attend a ceremony marking the Hiroshima bombing, the first time an envoy from Washington would take part in a remembrance of the event, Agence France-Presse reported.

Roos would lay a wreath at the ceremony "to express respect for all of the victims of World War II," according to the U.S. State Department (Shingo Ito, Agence France-Presse/Google News, Aug. 3).

Source: http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20100803_1962.php

'Keep Calm and Carry On'

2010-07-26T07:34:00.002+02:00

'Keep Calm and Carry On': An Initial African Assessment of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) 2010 Review Conference - ISS Occasional Paper No 211

On 28 May 2010, 190 States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) adopted a final document at its 8th Review Conference (RevCon) held at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York. This paper makes an initial attempt to digest the final document from an African perspective, and to examine whether it truly presents an important step in ridding the world, once and for all, of nuclear weapons. Foy Kum Hubert, Amelia Broodryk and Noël Stott - Africa's Development and the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction Project, Arms Management Programme, ISS Pretoria

Panel proposes global center for nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament

2010-07-07T10:42:00.001+02:00

SYDNEY (Kyodo) -- An international nuclear nonproliferation panel set up two years ago by the leaders of Japan and Australia recommended Monday the establishment of a Global Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament by early 2011 to work toward ultimately achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.

The International Commission on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament, in a communique issued after its final meeting in Vienna, said the center is needed "to focus and encourage the continuing interest of the whole international community...in eliminating nuclear threats once and for all."

The commission said the center would publish an annual "report card" evaluating the performance of both nuclear-armed and non-nuclear armed states in implementing 64 follow-up actions on disarmament, nonproliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy contained in the final document of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference held in New York in May.

The center would also "lead worldwide research aimed at refining and developing a model Nuclear Weapons Convention, with the object of having a fully worked through draft available to inform and guide multilateral disarmament negotiations as they gain momentum," it said.

The center would be an independent nongovernmental organization governed by 15 "individuals of high international standing, and representative of the world's major regions" who would meet at least annually. It would be financed by contributions from supportive governments, foundations and private donors.

As to where the center would be situated, the communique said Canberra, Vienna and Geneva are all possibilities.

The commission, co-chaired by former Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi and former Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans, was established in 2008 at the initiative of then Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and then Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

In October last year, at a meeting in Hiroshima, the commission recommended to world leaders to reduce the number of nuclear arms from more than 20,000 at present to 2,000 or less by 2025.

(Mainichi Japan) July 6, 2010

Africa's Policy Imperatives: Issue 2

2010-06-28T15:37:00.002+02:00

This update to ‘Africa’s Policy Imperatives’ Issue 1 published in May 2009, provides a brief overview of international efforts to

strengthen disarmament and non-proliferation through a number of conventions, protocols and agreements and addresses some of the capacity and resource constraints within the African context preventing their full implementation. A number of specific recommendations to States – both African and global - in a position to offer technical implementation assistance and who are able to build co-operative partnerships and political support towards full African universality of the various conventions are made. These conventions and agreements include the:

• Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT);

• African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba);

• Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty;

• Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention;

• Chemical Weapons Convention; and,

• United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1540.

The Background Paper has been compiled as a result of research undertaken by the Norwegian-funded ISS’ “Africa’s Development and the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction Project” since May 2007. This ISS project aims to identify and strengthen Africa’s role in these international efforts in the context of the continent’s developmental imperatives.

Africa's Policy Imperatives: Issue 2

02 Jun 2010: The NPT Review Conference a Small but not Insignificant Achievement

2010-06-03T10:06:00.001+02:00

Amelia Broodryk and Noel Stott, Researcher and Senior Research Fellow, Arms Management Programme, ISS Pretoria

"We have agreed on a final document. Over the past four weeks, the States Parties achieved a better understanding of each other`s positions and a clearer appreciation of the need to strengthen the main pillars of the NPT" - Ambassador Libran Cabactulan of the Philippines, President of the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference

On 28 May, 190 States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) adopted a final document at its 8th Review Conference (RevCon) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 3 – 28 May 2010. The RevCon provided an opportunity for states parties to assess progress in strengthening the NPT’s three mutually reinforcing pillars: furthering the goal of nuclear disarmament; preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapon technology; and, preserving the right of states to the peaceful uses of nuclear power (for example for energy and medical purposes), as well as addressing the threats to nuclear security. The NPT, which entered-into-force in 1970 and was extended indefinitely in 1995, is the world’s most widely adhered to multilateral disarmament agreement and is often referred to as the cornerstone of the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime.

Conferences to review the implementation of the NPT’s provisions and to agree on measures to strengthen it have been held at five-year intervals since 1975. There was immense pressure for this conference to produce a final document given that the 2005 RevCon failed to reach any substantive agreement and left many states parties questioning the integrity of the NPT regime. In contrast to the negative environment generated during the last RevCon, the first two weeks of the 2010 RevCon displayed a positive atmosphere following numerous general statements from states parties committing themselves to restoring confidence in the NPT and in the achievement of a world free of nuclear weapons. However, the real work started in the third week when States Parties negotiated the text of draft papers produced by the three main committees set up to review the implementation of the Treaty’s provisions relating to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament and international peace and security (Main Committee I), safeguards and nuclear-weapon-free zones (Main Committee II), and, the inalienable right of all states parties to develop, research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination (Main Committee III). It was hoped that this RevCon would produce a final document that would clearly layout the way forward for the next review cycle from 2011 – 2015.

During the first week of the conference, the Institute for Security Studies made a statement on behalf of a number of non-governmental experts from countries belonging to the New Agenda Coalition. In the statement, we listed key issues that we wanted the conference to address. Although the list was not meant to be a scorecard to determine the success or failure of the conference, we felt that if the final document did not adequately address these issues, the future of the NPT itself would in all likelihood be in jeopardy.

The section below summarises how some of these key issues were addressed in the final document. It is important to note that several other important issues were also mentioned in the final document, such as the need for the urgent entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the need for the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament to start its programme of work after more than a decade of inactivity.

One of the most important issues for this RevCon was finding concrete agreement on ways to implement the resolution on the Middle East. The so-called Middle East Resolution refers to the decision made in 1995 that all states in the region join the treaty and put their nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. The resolution also required all states in the region to work toward a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons, as well as other weapons of mass destruction, and called on all NPT States Parties, in particular the nuclear weapons states, to support this goal. After weeks of negotiation – in a largely secretive ‘subsidiary’ body - it was finally agreed that the “UN Secretary-General and the co-sponsors (the US, Russia and the UK) of the resolution, in consultation with the States of the region, will convene a Conference in 2010, to be attended by all States of the Middle East”. The use of the word ‘all’ was done deliberately to include Israel, a country that is not currently party to the NPT and is suspected of having nuclear weapons. The final document also urges Israel, India and Pakistan to join the NPT and for the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea to rejoin the NPT – all as non-nuclear weapon states.

Another key issue for this RevCon was to ensure that a preparatory process is established to explore the legal, technical, institutional and political measures required to achieve and maintain a nuclear-weapons-free world. This follows the decision in 1995 that nuclear disarmament should be achieved through a ban on nuclear weapon testing, a ban on the production of fissile materials for weapons purposes, and systematic and progressive efforts to reduce nuclear weapons, with the ‘ultimate goal of eliminating those weapons.’

One civil society proposal, which has the support of a number of states parties and the UN Secretary-General, is a Nuclear Weapons Convention (NWC). A NWC would declare the possession, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons illegal (in the same way that the Biological Weapons Convention and Chemical Weapons Convention totally ban biological and chemical weapons respectively). The final document makes reference to states parties’ taking note of new proposals and initiatives from the UN Secretary-General, governments and civil society, such as negotiations on a NWC or an agreement that would mutually reinforce the NPT. This is certainly encouraging for those in civil society who have long argued that the NPT is not adequate in addressing the urgent issue of nuclear disarmament. However, many states parties argue that such an initiative could undermine the NPT.

The internationalisation of the nuclear fuel cycle remains another contentious issue for many states parties to the NPT. For civil society, it was thus crucial that the final document insist that future discussions on the issue should involve all stakeholders, with the IAEA playing a key role, in order to ensure the creation of a non-discriminatory global model for the supply of nuclear fuel. The final document successfully addressed this issue by underscoring the importance of continuing discussions in a “non-discriminatory and transparent manner under the auspices of the IAEA”.

The NPT review cycle currently lacks a follow-up mechanism to oversee the state of implementation between RevCons. This often leads to inaction on key issues, such as the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East that was only addressed 15 years later at the 2010 RevCon. Although the suggestion was made that the outgoing President of the 2010 RevCon and his bureau could constitute the core of such a mechanism, the final document disappointedly only “encourages the past and incumbent Chairs to be available for consultations by the incoming Chair, if necessary”. However, the document recommends that a dedicated staff officer should be added to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs in order to support the NPT’s five-yearly review cycle. Although these initiatives are certainly a step in the right direction, both require voluntary financial contributions from states parties. In addition, hiring one person within the UN to address all the issues of states parties to the NPT is not a substitute for a proper implementation support body.

Even though the 2010 RevCon did manage to address some of the concerns of states parties and civil society, it is difficult to really determine whether the Review Conference was successful. Although the RevCon did produce a final document, many compromises were made, especially by non-nuclear weapon states. As negotiations progressed, it became clear that the five nuclear weapon states came to the RevCon with clear positions in mind and were not prepared to compromise on certain key issues. Most concerning was their insistence that any reference to timeframes for disarmament be removed from the final document. Although disappointed that the Conference had not produced a stronger outcome, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) promised to maintain pressure on the nuclear-weapon states to make real progress in eliminating their nuclear arsenals over the next few years.

The success of the 2010 RevCon will be determined by states parties’ commitment to implementing the action plan outlined in the final document and the next five-year review cycle may perhaps be one of the most challenging for the NPT.

Final Document of the NPT 2010 Review Conference adopted!

2010-05-28T21:59:00.002+02:00

After four weeks of intense negotiation, the States Parties to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) have adopted the substantive, forward-looking part of its final document and took note of the review part as the President’s reflection on the review. There was a collective sigh of relief and lots of applause from all delegations and civil society organisations in attendance. Now the real work begins...implementing the list of actions outlined in the final document!

ISS Side-event at 2010 NPT Review Conference, UN Headquarters, New York

2010-05-27T20:49:00.004+02:00

On 25 May, the Institute for Security Studies celebrated Africa Day by hosting a side-event at the 2010 NPT Review Conference regarding the entry-into-force of the Treaty of Pelindaba, which occurred on 15 July 2009. The event was also sponsored by the government of Nigeria and the Center for Non-Proliferation Studies of the Monterey Institute of International Studies. The organisers discussed the implementation of this Treaty, which has been ratified by 29 of 53 countries. The discussion focused on how the Treaty contributes to international disarmament as well as different challenges for implementation.

For more information regarding the event, please click on the documents below:

Article by Emma Bjerten and Noel Stott Speech (Text)
Patricia Lewis Speech (Text)
Patricia Lewis Podcast

Outcome Document: Second Conference of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia New York, 30 April 2010

2010-05-21T17:11:00.000+02:00

On the occasion of the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the States parties and signatories to the Treaties of Tlatelolco (1967), Rarotonga (1985), Bangkok (1995), Pelindaba (1996) and Central Asia (2006) which have established nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZ), as well as Mongolia - a nuclear weapon free State - met for the purpose of strengthening the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones regimes and contributing to the nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation process, and in particular to analyse ways of cooperating that can promote the achievement of the universal goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.

Please find a link to the Outcome Document of the meeting below:

Outcome_Document__II_Conf_NWFZs.pdf

NAC-NGO Presentation at 2010 NPT Review Conference

2010-05-11T16:51:00.003+02:00

On May 7, the Institute for Security Studies made a presentation on behalf of a grouping of individuals from civic organizations in countries belonging to the New Agenda Coalition (NAC) including the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, Pax Christi Ireland, the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations, the New Zealand-based Peace Foundation Disarmament and Security Centre, the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. This group was established in 2007 to support the efforts of NAC particularly during the 2010 NPT Review cycle.

You can find a video of the presentation made at the link below:

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1906455/npt100507pm-rm-ram-may-11-2010-10-38-am-1k?da=y

A copy of the statement can be found at the following URL:

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1906450/finalnacngopresentation-pdf-may-11-2010-10-35-am-57k?da=y

A copy of the full-length paper submitted by the NAC NGO Group to the 2010 Review Conference is available at the link below:

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1906449/final-nac-ngo-statement-may-2010-pdf-may-11-2010-10-35-am-99k?da=y

Africa and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty 2010 Review Conference

2010-05-06T19:51:00.000+02:00

Please find below a link to a Consolidated Report of Three Preparatory Workshops 2009-2010 compiled by the Amelia Broodryk and Noël Stott:

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1898146/npt-workshop-consolidated-report-pdf-may-6-2010-1-43-pm-436k?da=y

With funding from the British High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, the Royal Norwegian Government and the Ploughshares Fund, the Institute for Security Studies’ “Africa’s Development and the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction Project”, hosted three workshops on 29 June 2009, 3–4 December 2009 and 15–17 March 2010, titled “Preparing Africa for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) 2010 Review Conference”. The first workshop took place in Pretoria, South Africa and was aimed at Southern African countries. The second workshop in Accra, Ghana was co-hosted with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament (UNREC) and covered West Africa. The third workshop, also co-hosted with UNREC, took place in Pretoria, and included delegates from all five African sub-regions.

NEW: Updated Treaty of Pelindaba Ratification Pack

2010-04-20T10:04:00.011+02:00

Good news! We've updated our Treaty of Pelindaba Ratification Pack.
Please click on the link below to download a copy of the document:

NEW: Updated Pelindaba Ratification Pack

The document can also be found in the Pelindaba Treaty Resources section of the blog

Nuclear Posture Review Report – April 2010

2010-04-07T12:00:00.000+02:00

For the full Nuclear Posture Review Report click on the following link: http://www.defense.gov/npr/docs/2010%20Nuclear%20Posture%20Review%20Report.pdf

April 5, 2010

Obama Limits When U.S. Would Use Nuclear Arms
By DAVID E. SANGER and PETER BAKER

WASHINGTON — President Obama said Monday that he was revamping American nuclear strategy to substantially narrow the conditions under which the United States would use nuclear weapons.

But the president said in an interview that he was carving out an exception for “outliers like Iran and North Korea” that have violated or renounced the main treaty to halt nuclear proliferation.

Discussing his approach to nuclear security the day before formally releasing his new strategy, Mr. Obama described his policy as part of a broader effort to edge the world toward making nuclear weapons obsolete, and to create incentives for countries to give up any nuclear ambitions. To set an example, the new strategy renounces the development of any new nuclear weapons, overruling the initial position of his own defense secretary.

Mr. Obama’s strategy is a sharp shift from those of his predecessors and seeks to revamp the nation’s nuclear posture for a new age in which rogue states and terrorist organizations are greater threats than traditional powers like Russia and China.

It eliminates much of the ambiguity that has deliberately existed in American nuclear policy since the opening days of the cold war. For the first time, the United States is explicitly committing not to use nuclear weapons against nonnuclear states that are in compliance with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, even if they attacked the United States with biological or chemical weapons or launched a crippling cyberattack.

For full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/world/06arms.html
Picture source: Stephen Crowley/The New York Times

ISS TODAY: 08 Feb 2010: No Firm Date Set for Zero Nuclear Weapons

2010-02-08T11:49:00.000+02:00

Noel Stott, Senior Research Fellow, Arms Management Programme, ISS Pretoria

Nuclear weapons are the most inhumane weapons ever conceived, inherently indiscriminate in those they kill and maim, and with an impact deadly for decades. They are the only weapons ever invented that have the capacity to wholly destroy life on this planet, and the arsenals we now possess are able to do so many times over. The problem of nuclear weapons is at least equal to that of climate change in terms of gravity – and much more immediate in its potential impact.

In late December 2009, the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament headed up by two former Foreign Ministers, Australia’s Gareth Evans and Japan’s Yoriko Kawaguchi released their long awaited report aimed at reinvigorating, at a high political level, the global debate on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

Prime Minister Rudd and then Prime Minister Taro launched the independent Commission in September 2008 as a joint initiative of the Australian and Japanese Governments. Thirteen eminent individuals from around the world, including South Africa’s Speaker of the National Assembly (from 1994 to 2004), Frene Ginwala, acted as Commissioners.

The release of the report is important given that in May 2010, the five-yearly Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review Conference will take place. The NPT is regarded as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. Based on a bargain of three pillars, the NPT was designed to: prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology; further the goal of nuclear disarmament; and, promote co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

However, the NPT is regarded as being in crisis. India and Pakistan, both of whom are known to possess nuclear weapons, have never signed or ratified the NPT. Israel has also not signed or ratified the NPT. While North Korea joined the treaty as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State (NNWS) in 1985, detonated a nuclear device in 2006 and regards itself as having withdrawn from the treaty. India, for example has made it clear that it will never sign the “flawed and discriminatory” NPT. In addition, the previous Review Conference in 2005, failed to reach any substantive agreement and the divide between the non-proliferation first and disarmament first camps - between those accused of non-compliance with their obligation to disarm (the permanent members of the Security Council who have nuclear weapons) and those accused of non-compliance with their commitment to not develop or acquire nuclear weapons (the NNWS in general but Iran and North Korea in particular).

The International Commission’s report will not please those who argue that the only credible guarantee against the use or threat of use of such weapons is their total elimination and for an immediate world free of nuclear weapons. The report, while conceding that ‘nuclear weapons are the most inhumane weapons ever conceived...’ instead calls for the global stockpile of nuclear weapons to be cut to 2,000 from 23,000 by 2025.

On the positive side, the report does emphasise the de-ligitimisation of nuclear weapons and calls on the eight nuclear armed states to adopt a non-first-use policy and to remove their nuclear arms from high-alert status so that they can not be launched speedily.

In what the report calls “a Comprehensive Action Agenda” a time-table for the total elimination of nuclear weapons is presented:

Short Term Action Agenda (to 2012) includes:

All nuclear-armed states declaring that the sole purpose of retaining the nuclear weapons they have is to deter others from using such weapons against them;
A commitment by all nuclear-armed states not to increase their nuclear arsenals.
Satisfactory negotiated resolution of the North Korea and Iran nuclear program problems.

Medium Term Action Agenda (to 2025) includes:

Building support for a comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Convention to legally underpin the ultimate transition to a nuclear weapon free world.
Implementation of a Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty and a further agreement negotiated to put all fissile material not in weapons under international safeguards.
Implementation of measures to reduce the proliferation risks associated with the expansion of civil nuclear energy.

Longer Term Action Agenda (beyond 2025) includes:

The creation of political conditions for the prospect of major war or aggression to be so remote that nuclear weapons are seen as having no remaining deterrent utility.
The creation of the military conditions in which conventional arms imbalances, missile defence systems or any other national or intergovernmental-organisation capability is not seen as so inherently destabilizing as to justify the retention of a nuclear deterrent capability.
The creation of international legal regime and enforcement conditions that will ensure that any state breaching its prohibition obligations not to retain, acquire or develop nuclear weapons will be effectively penalized.

It is unfortunate that the Commission was unable to set a firm date by which time we should get to zero (no nuclear weapons). Whether the NPT Review Conference in May can do this is another question!

[for a copy of the full report see www.icnnd.org)

Risks of nuclear catastrophe are "real" - weapons expert

2010-01-27T09:15:00.001+02:00

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 25 (Saba) -- Professor Gareth Evans of Australia on Monday warned that the risks associated with existing nuclear weapons, including the risk of nuclear terrorism, are "real" and that it is "sheer damn luck" that a nuclear catastrophe did not happen since World War II, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Evans, co-Chairman of the International Commission on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (ICNND), presented the December 2009 report "Eliminating Nuclear Threats" during a press conference and warned that "the risks associated with existing nuclear arsenals ..., with new countries joining the list ..., with nuclear terrorism, are real".

"It's sheer damn luck that we have succeeded as a world in surviving ... a major nuclear catastrophe since 1945. It was not a function of good policy or anything else rather than luck," he added.

He noted that the world has come "hellishly close to a (nuclear) catastrophe on many occasions during the Cold War, which only now are beginning to come to light after all these years".

He warned that one "cannot make any assumption at all that the status quo will continue, that we can live with 20,000 or more nuclear weapons without (the risk) of nuclear catastrophe".

The status quo is "not an option" and "we must move seriously, not just make progress on this front, but ultimately to achieve abolition of nuclear weapons completely and create a world without them".
"As long as any state has nuclear weapons, others would want them. So long as any state retains any nuclear weapons, they're bound one day to be used, by accident or miscalculation, if not by deliberate design. Any such use would be catastrophic for life on this planet as we know it," he warned.

The 230-page report, the most comprehensive of its kind yet produced, is the unanimous product of an independent global panel of fifteen commissioners, supported by a high-level international advisory board and worldwide network of research centres.

It stated that with new U.S. and Russian leaderships seriously committed to nuclear disarmament action, there is a new opportunity - the first since the immediate post-World War II and post-Cold War years - to halt, and reverse, the problem of nuclear weapons once and for all.

On the Iran issue, he expressed hope that it will be solved diplomatically and that Iran does not cross the "red line of weaponisation".

Source: Saba (http://www.sabanews.net/en/news204132.htm)

New Coalition Aims to Promote Chemical Weapons Disarmament, Nonproliferation

2010-01-25T09:35:00.000+02:00

WASHINGTON -- Dozens of nongovernmental organizations from around the world are forming an umbrella group to help promote the total elimination of chemical weapons and prevent their use by terrorists (see GSN, Dec. 3, 2009).

(Jan. 22) - A technician disassembles a U.S. chemical munition for analysis in 2008 at an Army laboratory in New Jersey. A new group of independent organizations seeks to help implement the treaty aimed at global elimination of chemical warfare materials (U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency photo).

The Chemical Weapons Convention Coalition, in a mission statement, identifies itself as “an independent, international body whose mission is to support” the global ban on chemical warfare materials “with focused civil society action aimed at achieving full membership of the CWC, the safe and timely elimination of all chemical weapons, preventing the misuse of chemicals for hostile purposes and promoting their peaceful use."

It is among a scant number of such alliances established to support the aims of a specific nonproliferation treaty, said Paul Walker, head of the Security and Sustainability program at Global Green USA. The environmental organization helped develop the coalition and will serve as its hub of operations.

The new group has been years in the planning. Supporters believe it can help raise the profile of the pact in regions where membership and implementation of its rules remain a cause of concern.

“All of Europe is a member now, all of the Americas … The problem areas are really in the Middle East and Asia and a couple countries in Africa,” Walker told Global Security Newswire. “So we realized if we were to build a coalition to promote universality we just couldn’t do it with the groups that normally come to the annual meetings” of member nations to the convention.

Representatives from about 35 nongovernmental organizations -- most from outside the United States and Western Europe -- attended a two-day session last month in The Hague, Netherlands, to prepare the founding document for the coalition. Organizers hope to attract no fewer than 100 groups to the coalition by the end of 2010.

A plan of work through 2012 -- the year by which all CWC states must have eliminated any arsenals of prohibited materials -- is set to be completed in a couple months, Walker said.

Among the planned activities detailed in the founding document is the preparation of a database on all nations’ activities relative to the convention, including whether they have joined and the size of chemical industries that could be turned to illicit activities. The coalition also intends to produce a yearly report card assessing whether CWC member states are instituting the pact’s requirements at the national level.

Tools for achieving the group’s goals will include public meetings, written commentaries, letter-writing campaigns, interviews, analyses and educational programs, according to the founding document. The target audience will be officials at all levels of government.

Work would not be limited to that sector, though. The coalition intends to prepare an analysis with recommendations for augmenting the nonproliferation value of the inspection program of the convention’s monitoring body, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. It will also offer “research and expert policy advice” to the organization, its member states and other parties, according to the group.

Success and Challenges

The Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force in 1997, prohibiting development, production, stockpiling, use or transfer of warfare materials such as mustard blister agent and the nerve agents VX and sarin. There are 188 member states, covering 98 percent of the landmass of the Earth.

Three nations -- Albania, India and a country that is never officially identified but widely believed to be South Korea -- have eliminated their stockpiles of banned materials. Disposal operations are continuing in Russia and the United States, and Iraq and Libya have pledged to destroy their chemical weapons.

“The CWC is often considered to be the most successful of the WMD treaties, and arguably that is the case,” according to Angela Woodward, program director for national implementation at the London-based Verification Research, Training and Information Center, which helped establish the coalition. “But there remain certain significant problems with the convention which states parties have utterly failed to deal with, such as noncompliance issues (like ‘nonlethal weapons’) or instigating the on-site inspection mechanism” (see GSN, Nov. 6, 2009).

“When states parties, and the membership organization they created for the convention, cannot deal with these problems, it is civil society’s responsibility to air these problems and constructively work towards finding solutions to them,” she told GSN by e-mail.

Universality of the convention remains a major issue. Just seven nations have yet to join: Angola, Egypt, Israel, Myanmar, North Korea, Somalia and Syria. In that list of nations is one -- Egypt -- that is known to have used chemical weapons in conflict, and two -- North Korea and Syria -- that are suspected of housing chemical stockpiles.

The Middle Eastern states are probably the most likely to join the convention in the near future, and the region will host the coalition’s next major meeting, Walker said. The hope is to persuade participating nongovernmental groups from the area to promote universality and other CWC issues in their home states through contact with the public and private sectors and the media.

Similar sessions in East Asia and other regions would follow.

The group also hopes through a program of outreach to convince Iraq, Libya, Russia and the United States to conduct “safe, sound and timely destruction of chemical weapons,” it said in the initial document. It will further seek to "promote the safe and environmentally sound use of chemicals for peaceful purposes."

Coalition participants might have contacts beyond those possessed by governments who could help push forward the organization’s disarmament objectives, Walker said. He also described an effort that might involve some pressure on nations to fully implement the treaty.

“This whole effort in international security and arms control and disarmament is really a body contact and, in a body-contact sport, you have to make bodily contact,” Walker said. “Our efforts are really to go into the regions themselves, raise the issues publicly, more so than probably the OPCW and government agencies can, because most of this is all quiet, backroom diplomacy.”

The Hague-based verification organization has thrown its support behind the new group.

Both the organization and its member states can “benefit from outside voices that can point out faults in the system,” said OPCW spokesman Michael Luhan. “There’s a lot of things that go unsaid in more formal venues.”

The U.S. State Department said it was familiar with the coalition but that it was too early to consider its value.

Walker said the coalition expects to have three to four part-time employees and an annual budget of between $250,000 and $300,000 for staff, meetings and travel for coalition participants. The hope is that foundations and convention states will provide the funding, he said.

“I’m feeling positive,” Woodward stated. “The CWCC members will be encouraged and supported to work towards the coalition’s goals. Some will be easier to achieve than others. But at the very least, the activities of those NGOs who are already working in support of the CWC can be amplified through membership of a coalition -- the whole is bigger than the sum of its parts.”

Global Security Newswire

By Chris Schneidmiller

Eliminating Nuclear Threats - A Practical Agenda for Global Policymakers

2009-12-16T14:53:00.004+02:00

REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION AND DISARMAMENT GARETH EVANS and YORIKO KAWAGUCHI CO-CHAIRS

Eliminating nuclear threats is a matter of necessity, not choice. The world’s 23,000 nuclear weapons – many still deployed on high alert – can destroy life on this planet many times over. That the horror of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has not so far been repeated owes far more to luck than to good policy management.

Even with the U.S. and Russia showing welcome new leadership, the policy challenges are immense. Every state with nuclear weapons has to be persuaded to give them up. States without nuclear weapons have to neither want nor be able to acquire them. Terrorists must be stopped from getting anywhere near them. And rapidly expanding peaceful nuclear energy use must be security risk-free.

This report, the work of an independent commission of global experts sponsored by Australia and Japan, seeks to guide global policymakers through this maze. It comprehensively maps both opportunities and obstacles, and shapes its many recommendations into a clearly defined set of short, medium and longer term action agendas.

The tone throughout is analytical, measured and hard-headedly realistic. But the ultimate ideal is never lost sight of: so long as any nuclear weapons remain, the world can never be safe.

FULL REPORT: http://www.icnnd.org/reference/reports/ent/downloads.html

SYNOPSIS: http://www.icnnd.org/reference/reports/ent/downloads.html#synopsis

INFORMATION SHEETS: http://www.icnnd.org/reference/reports/ent/factsheets.html

Promoting the Non-Proliferation Treaty in West Africa

2009-12-11T09:04:00.002+02:00

A workshop in Ghana raises awareness about the Non-Proliferation Treaty among West African states.

On 3 - 4 December 2009, a workshop was held in Accra, Ghana, to raise awareness about the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) among West African states and to encourage their engagement.

The meeting was hosted by a South Africa-based research organisation, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC), with financial support from the UK and Norwegian governments.

Participants from a range of West African governments and civil society organisations, with representatives from ISS, UNREC and the UK and South African governments, discussed the relevance of the NPT to African countries. The workshop focused on how the treaty promotes the peaceful uses of nuclear energy which a growing number of African countries are considering to meet their future energy needs.

The meeting also discussed the implications of the recent entry into force of the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty (the Pelindaba Treaty) and the possible creation of a network of African civil society organisations to promote a world without Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Source: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=21401096

Tunisia Ratifies the Treaty of Pelindaba

2009-11-26T14:09:00.003+02:00

On 7 October 2009, Tunisia officially deposited its instrument of ratification with the African Union, bringing the number of ratifying countries to 29.

For a complete list of countries please scroll down to the "Treaty of Pelindaba" section of this blog (in the right had column under the ISS Today article section)

Conference 6 - 8 November 2009: Reaching Nuclear Disarmament - the Role of Civil Society in Strengthening the NPT

2009-11-24T09:16:00.006+02:00

Reaching Nuclear Disarmament - the Role of Civil Society in Strengthening the NPT Conference: 6 - 8 November 2009, Stockholm , Sweden
The Conference constituted an arena for civil society organisations, politicians and professionals to meet in preparation for the 2010 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference.

Conference Program: http://nucleardisarmament.se/attachment/files/5926/Conference_Program.pdf

Presentations: http://nucleardisarmament.se/club/page/public/index/13515

Celebrating Entry-Into-Force of the Treaty of Pelindaba

2009-11-13T11:36:00.002+02:00

Celebrating Entry-into-Force of the Treaty of Pelindaba

On 30 October, the WMD Project organised a side-event celebrating the entry-into-force of the Treaty of Pelindaba. Thirteen years after it officially opened for signature, the African Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba) has finally come into force with the twenty-eighth deposit of its ratification instrument by Burundi on 15 July 2009. The Treaty, which covers the entire African continent as well as its surrounding islands, ensures that nuclear weapons are not developed, produced, tested, or otherwise acquired or stationed in any of the countries on the continent. Entry-into-force of the Treaty of Pelindaba confirms Africa’s resolve to strengthen the global nuclear weapon-free regime and contribute to international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation processes.

The event was co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) with Nigeria, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Monterey Institute of International Studies.

The speakers were Ambassador Bukun-Olu Onemola, Nigerian Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN and Dr Patricia M. Lewis, Deputy Director and Scientist-in-Residence, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Monterey Institute of International Studies. Noel Stott chaired. There were 40 people in the room with a number of comments and questions being asked from the floor.

Noel Stott made introductory remarks, congratulating Africa on this great achievement, especially in the context of the international momentum around nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation issues. He also discussed the focus of the WMD project and urged African delegates present to become involved in the workshops and other events planned for late 2009 and 2010 – especially in preparation for the 2010 Review Conference of the NPT. He then introduced the two speakers for the event – Ambassador Bukun-Olu Onemola, Nigerian Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN and Dr Patricia Lewis at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Ambassador Onemola congratulated Africa for becoming part of the nuclear weapon free Southern Hemisphere. Importantly, he commended the work of ISS on the Treaty of Pelindaba, mentioning that our publications are very useful and accessible. He also stressed the importance of the challenging time ahead, in terms of operationalising the Treaty of Pelindaba, through the first meeting of States Parties, and the establishment of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) as stipulated by the Treaty.

Dr Lewis discussed the long road Africa has taken to finally become a zone free of nuclear weapons and mentioned that Africa has been at the forefront of the establishment of nuclear weapon free zones since the 1960s. However, she also emphasised the challenges around “popularising” the security debate around nuclear weapons, especially on a continent where many other challenges – such as HIV/AIDs, poverty, malaria, and civil conflict – often occupy most of the time and resources of African governments. In addition, she argued that the Treaty of Pelindaba should be considered in light of its impact on the socio-economic development of Africa – through the use of nuclear technology – and not solely on the security dimension. Dr Lewis also highlighted some other challenges – such as the role of North African states, such as Egypt, who also identify themselves within the Middle East region, and therefore may not be able to ratify the Treaty of Pelindaba until the Middle East region becomes a nuclear weapon free zone. This does not mean that these countries should be left out of the process, as States such as Egypt have a lot of knowledge and experience on nuclear issues.

There were a few questions from the audience around the next steps for the Treaty of Pelindaba and on ways to make the general public aware of the Treaty and its implications. It was agreed that more could be done to raise awareness on the African continent about nuclear-related issues. One of the key goals of the WMD project is to transfer knowledge about the Treaty of Pelindaba, and the NPT in a more accessible manner, and to determine Africa’s future role in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

United Nations General Assembly 64th Session (2009): First Committee

2009-10-15T08:00:00.005+02:00

The Reaching Critical Will website is a great resource on the UNGA First Committee. The link to their website is: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/political/1com/1com09.html

*****

All First Committee documents related to Africa appear in the right-hand column of the ISS' WMD Blog (below the ISS Today Articles section). This section will be regularly updated as information is made available.

UNSCR 1887 (2009)

2009-09-29T10:01:00.003+02:00

Resolution 1887 (2009)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 6191st meeting on 24 September 2009

"The Security Council,

Resolving to seek a safer world for all and to create the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons, in accordance with the goals of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), in a way that promotes international stability, and based on the principle of undiminished security for all,

Reaffirming the Statement of its President adopted at the Council’s meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government on 31 January 1992 (S/23500), including the need for all Member States to fulfil their obligations in relation to arms control and disarmament and to prevent proliferation in all its aspects of all weapons of mass destruction,

Recalling also that the above Statement (S/23500) underlined the need for all Member States to resolve peacefully in accordance with the Charter any problems in that context threatening or disrupting the maintenance of regional and global stability,

Reaffirming that proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and their means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security,

Bearing in mind the responsibilities of other organs of the United Nations and relevant international organizations in the field of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation, as well as the Conference on Disarmament, and supporting them to continue to play their due roles,

Underlining that the NPT remains the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament and for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy..."

For full text: http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?u=1416741&tr77

Address by the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Mr Jacob Zuma to the 64th United Nations (UN) General Assembly debate

2009-09-28T13:53:00.003+02:00

23 September 2009

Your Excellency, the President of the General Assembly
Your Excellency, the Secretary General of the United Nations
Your Excellencies and Your Majesties
Distinguished delegates
Ladies and gentlemen

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption, in 1989, of UN General Assembly Resolution 44/27 on “International Solidarity with the Liberation Struggle in South Africa”.

This was one of numerous resolutions by the General Assembly in which the nations of the world pledged their support for the eradication of apartheid.

Within months of the adoption of this important resolution, the South African liberation movements were unbanned.

Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were released.

The stage was thus set for the negotiations that would eventually lead to the achievement of freedom and democracy in our country.

The role of the United Nations in the struggle to end apartheid is an exceptional example of the collective political will of the international community. It represented the victory of unity over division, of negotiation over confrontation. It represented a clear commitment to the promotion of basic human rights.

As South Africans we will always be grateful for that international solidarity.

Since the advent of democracy in 1994, we have built a solid, stable democracy, founded on the principles of unity, non-sexism, non-racialism and democracy. As we continue to build our young nation we are cognisant of the need for a conducive international environment. It is for this reason that we are committed to play our part with the rest of the international community to take forward the fight against poverty and to respond to the crises that are confronting the world today.

We must act now, together, to halt the degradation of the environment. We must act now, together, to prevent the global economic crisis from undoing the gains that we have achieved over decades.

Mr President,

The eradication of poverty must remain central to the work of the United Nations. It must continue to work harder to unite the world to work to alleviate the suffering of the world’s poor and marginalised. The global economic meltdown has dealt a heavy blow to world efforts to eradicate poverty. But it should not diminish our resolve.

The United Nations must play a significant role in finding solutions to the global economic crisis. The crisis should not be an excuse to delay further action on the delivery of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Rather, it should urge us to double our efforts to achieve greater and faster progress. Developing countries did not cause the economic crisis, but they are severely affected by it.

The crisis has further highlighted the urgent need for the fundamental reform of the Bretton Woods institutions, including their mandate, scope, governance and responsiveness. These institutions have been unrepresentative since their formation a half century ago.

The current arrangements are inadequate and unfair. They do not reflect the changes that have taken place in the global economy. We should ensure that the election of the heads of all these institutions is more democratic, and opens opportunities to developing countries.

The emerging and developing economies, including the poorest, must have a greater voice and greater participation in these institutions. Similarly, if we are to eradicate poverty there is an urgent need to conclude the Doha Round of trade negotiations in a manner that prioritises development.

Mr President,

We continue to work for an African renewal, and welcome the ongoing support of the UN system in addressing the challenges facing the continent. Now more than ever, it is necessary for the United Nations to ensure that the international community collectively implements the commitments made to Africa.

We have a viable socio-economic development blueprint, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), which should be used in mobilising resources for Africa.

We appreciate that there can be no lasting peace without development, and no development without security.

Over the last 20 years, Africa has made much progress in working to end conflicts and to promote democratic practices and institutions. However, some pockets of conflict persist. For its part, South Africa has been engaged in mediation, conflict prevention and peacekeeping on the continent in, among others, Burundi, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The African Union (AU) has the political will to resolve conflicts on the continent. However, it lacks resources to run effective peacekeeping interventions and conflict prevention mechanisms.

We appeal for support for African peace making efforts, and for greater cooperation between the UN and the AU. In this regard, we call on the UN General Assembly to align itself with AU and SADC resolutions that do not recognise governments that come into power by force or other unconstitutional means.

Mr President,

The search for global peace, stability and security cannot be separated from the pursuit of justice, self-determination, human rights and economic development. We need to constantly reaffirm the inalienable human rights of all people. We call for the full and effective implementation of the outcomes of World Conference against Racism and the subsequent Durban Review Conference.

It is of concern that at the close of the first decade of the 21st century there are still nations that find their lands occupied and their people oppressed. We are convinced that urgent and concrete steps are needed to resolve the situation in Western Sahara. We must work with similar urgency towards the achievement, through negotiations, of a peaceful co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians.

This must be based on the creation of a viable Palestinian state, existing side-by-side with Israel, within the 1967 borders, which are secure and internationally-recognised.

We also call for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba. We also appreciate the recent pronouncements by some nuclear weapon states on their intentions to reduce their nuclear arsenals.

Let us take up this new momentum and utilise the opportunity of the 2010 Review Conference to recommit ourselves to the full implementation of obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

We should ensure a balance between the objectives of disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Mr President,

For Africa, the impact of climate change is devastating, and will severely undermine development and poverty eradication efforts. We need to act now to ensure that there is an inclusive, fair and effective global agreement on this critical challenge.

The agreement must recognise that solving the climate problem cannot be separated from the struggle to eradicate poverty. Developed countries bear the greatest responsibility for climate change and its impact. We must therefore strike a balance between adaptation and mitigation.

Our goal should be to significantly reduce emissions across the globe without constraining development in the countries of the South.

Developed countries must make ambitious, quantified, and legally-binding emission reduction commitments that are in line with science and that address their historical responsibilities.

At Copenhagen there needs to be agreement on new, additional, sustainable and predictable financing for adaptation. This should be for programmes that reduce the vulnerability of developing countries to the effects of climate change.

Mr President,

In a world that is increasingly inter-connected and inter-dependent, international problems can only be effectively resolved through multilateral cooperation.

The UN must continue to be at the centre of multilateralism. But it needs to be reformed if it is to carry out its mandate effectively, efficiently and transparently. We remain committed to the view that no reform of the United Nations can be complete without the fundamental reform of the Security Council.

It must be representative of the international community and must reflect the geopolitical realities of today. If the UN Security Council is not reformed, and does not have permanent representation for Africa, the legitimacy of the Council’s decisions will continuously be questioned.

As South Africa, we continue to advocate for an expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership.

Mr President,

Let me express our appreciation to the world for the celebration of the inaugural Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July this year. Scores of people engaged in a minimum of 67 minutes of voluntary action in the service of humanity, in honour of our icon, President Mandela.

The Non-Aligned Movement has joined the call for this General Assembly to declare 18 July as Nelson Mandela Day. This is in recognition of President Mandela’s contribution to the struggle for democracy and the cause of humanity, and to promote community service across the globe.

In this regard we hope that the General Assembly will adopt a consensus resolution in support of Nelson Mandela Day.

Mr President,

South Africa is privileged to host the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup in the middle of next year, which will be the first time that the tournament is held on African soil. We look forward to hosting the peoples of the world, who will enjoy unique African hospitality and vibrancy.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing president of the General Assembly for his leadership of the 63rd session of the Assembly.

I thank the General Assembly and Your Excellencies for the opportunity to address this esteemed gathering.

Working together as a global family we can do more to create a better and just world.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
23 September 2009

Source: http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2009/09092509251001.htm

(Picture: Rick Gershon AFP)

United States indicates its willingness to support Pebble Bed Modular Reactor research

2009-09-17T11:11:00.003+02:00

By: Terence Creamer
Published: 16 Sep 09

The US government would support South African efforts to research the pebble-bed modular reactor (PBMR) nuclear technology as part of the multilateral next-generation nuclear plant and very high temperature gas reactor programmes, following the signing of a bilateral nuclear agreement earlier this week.

US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and South Africa's Energy Minister Dipuo Peters initialled the so-called "Agreement on Cooperation in Research and Development of Nuclear Energy" in Vienna, Austria, on September 14. The two officials were in the European capital to participate in the fifty-third general conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the US Embassy in Pretoria, the American government indicated that the agreement would facilitate cooperation in the area of advanced nuclear energy systems and that the PBMR would likely be an area of "specific" cooperation.

The deal would also augment efforts to promote and maintain nuclear science and engineering infrastructure and skills, while research and development collaboration would focus on advanced technologies that could improve the cost, safety, and proliferation resistance of nuclear power systems.

The signing followed on from recent bilateral discussions, involving senior officials from both countries, which took place in Pretoria in August. These talks reportedly covered a broad range of nuclear energy, nonproliferation, and disarmament issues, following dialogue on the issues between Presidents Barack Obama and Jacob Zuma at the Group of eight (G-8) Summit in July.

It was not immediately apparent what the precise implications were for the PBMR Company, which was currently working on a new design for a demonstration plant, and which had also indicated its desire to evolve into South Africa's nuclear engineering and design authority should the country move ahead with the deployment of advanced third-generation pressure water reactors (PWRs).

The future of the PWR programme was currently uncertain, given severe funding challenges at State utility Eskom. In fact, the procurement process, which initially involved US-linked Westinghouse (also a shareholder in the PBMR Company) and Areva of France, was halted in late 2008 and had not been restarted, despite that fact that it now fell under the direct authority of the energy department.

It was also not clear whether the agreement had any implications for South Africa's possible re-entry into the area of nuclear fuel production. The South African government had indicated that it might be keen resume enrichment activities as part of uranium beneficiation aspirations. But this was a highly contested area, owing to nonproliferation concerns, and would require support for IAEA members and powerful countries such as the US.

In fact, the US statement emphasised the important role South Africa could play in building international consensus and momentum among nuclear and non nuclear weapons States in the area of nonproliferation and disarmament.

"As the only State to have developed and then given up its nuclear weapons, joining the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapons state, South Africa possesses unique credibility and perspective on these issues. The US looks forward to working with South Africa at the Nuclear Security Summit in April 2010 in Washington," the statement concluded.

This article was originally published by Engineering News Online

Source: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/print-version/us-indicates-its-willingness-to-support-pbmr-research-2009-09-16

Tribute paid to International Atomic Energy Agency's Mohamed ElBaradei

2009-09-15T11:31:00.004+02:00

Tribute paid to ElBaradei

14 September 2009

The governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has paid tribute to director general Mohamed ElBaradei, ahead of the confirmation of his successor Yukiya Amano.

On 10 September ElBaradei said he was "humbled, grateful and honoured" by comments from the 35 board members. In a speech he recalled the challenges and successes of his 12 years at the head of the IAEA which has gone through a "metamorphosis" to "become a major player in the international community." A motion was approved that will see ElBaradei granted the lifelong title of Director General Emeritus.

Speaking to the board members he said: "We know the difference between what's right and what's wrong and we are all committed - meaning all of you - and we are absolutely determined to make sure that we do our utmost for the benefit of humanity." In trying to create the right environment for global development while preventing proliferation of nuclear weapons, the member states of the agency are "Working together knowing that, as a human family it is not a zero sum game - we are either going to win together or fail together."

And today on the opening day of the IAEA General Conference, a vote of member states confirmed Yukiya Amano as ElBaradei's replacement. Amano lauded ElBaradei's "tireless efforts and selfless dedication towards world peace and prosperity."

"As science and technology continue to advance, as knowledge expands and spreads, and as the movement of people and commodities becomes more salient, the world faces increasing risks of nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism. It is unlikely that this trend will ever be reversed, but rather it will continue to accelerate. Therefore, we must make further efforts to offset this trend by universalizing and further strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime, especially the IAEA's safeguards system."

Amano will take over from ElBaradei on 30 November. Funding remains a major concern for the organization, which must maintain many technical cooperation programs to enable full benefit is made of nuclear energy, while also conducting exhaustive checks to ensure no civil nuclear materials are ever diverted for military use.

Amano said: "Waste of resources, if there is any, must be eliminated. Communication between the secretariat and member states and between different branches of the secretariat must continue to be improved to enhance efficiency and remove duplication. These efforts are particularly needed should the General Conference approve the increase in the agency budget despite the difficult global economic situation."

Source: http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP_Tributes_paid_to_ElBaradei_1409091.html

Churches back nuclear-free Africa

2009-09-14T07:32:00.004+02:00

By Jonathan Frerichs

11 Sep 2009

Following recent action by Africa, a majority of the world's countries have now banned nuclear weapons from their national territory for the first time. The change happened when an all-Africa treaty entered into force in July. International civil society organizations including the World Council of Churches (WCC) played a catalytic role.

Taking a shared approach to a safer world, Africa became a nuclear-weapon-free zone when Burundi recently became the 28th state to ratify the Treaty of Pelindaba. A WCC delegation visited the central African country in March 2009 to encourage the step. The addition of 54 countries in Africa means that 116 nations are now within treaty zones banning nuclear weapons.

The WCC Central Committee has saluted Africa's new nuclear-free status in a September 2009 statement and invites further church support for such actions. The committee has also urged Russia and the United States "to join China, Britain and France in ratifying the treaty protocols that give Africa added protection" from nuclear attacks.

Burundi's role in this trans-national success story is instructive. In regions where governments avoid nuclear weapons, states large and small can share responsibility for security. Where national nuclear arsenals exist, however, in regions like North-east Asia and the Middle East, collective security is not an option.

What is more, Burundi and other states like Malawi, Mozambique and Ethiopia which ratified the treaty recently, acted at a time when major powers are still struggling to break out of a decade of deadlock in disarmament and non-proliferation, notwithstanding positive signs in recent months.

"We in Africa know the value of disarmament," Burundi's First Vice-President Yves Sahinguvu told WCC delegates in March. Although Burundi is not directly threatened by nuclear weapons, it is engaged in a long recovery process after decades of armed conflict.

"You are the church and you have come here to speak of peace," the President of the National Assembly, Pie Ntavyohanyuma, told the WCC. "We thank you all the more because churches here have done a lot for peace," he added, acknowledging the work of the Burundian Anglican Archbishop, Bernard Ntahoturi, a member of the three-person delegation. Churches provide "ethical reference points" for positive change, he said.

"Countries like Burundi are making Africa more secure by putting this treaty into effect and churches support the treaty because it helps to build peace," Archbishop Ntahoturi said of his government's action.

Senior officials in Burundi said the Pelindaba Treaty would help Africa with security and governance. The President of the Senate, Dr Gervais Rufyikiri, a scientist who has researched radioactive pollution in agriculture, said Burundi would benefit from better international controls on nuclear materials used in medicine, agriculture and energy production.

Solutions need to work across national borders

With foreign companies and governments increasingly looking to Africa for its uranium, another key issue for Africa is stewardship of resources. A WCC delegation visited uranium-rich Namibia late last year to urge ratification of the Pelindaba Treaty there as well.

"We want this God-given resource to be used only for peaceful purposes," Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula told the WCC during a follow-up meeting in April. "That is our dream, our wish and our hope". Africa's new treaty, the most advanced of all the regional treaties banning nuclear weapons, is a tool for realizing such hopes.

Developed after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of apartheid, the Treaty of Pelindaba is an example of the collective capacity to work toward a world without nuclear weapons.

First, Pelindaba is the place where the white-minority government of South Africa developed the only nuclear arsenal in the southern hemisphere, which the new black-majority government then abandoned.

Second, many states in Africa bear the scars of Cold War conflicts fuelled by foreign rivalries and fought with imported weapons. The treaty now in force bans the import, development, deployment, testing and use, anywhere on the continent, of the most destructive weapons in existence.

Like managing climate change, effective control over nuclear weapons requires solutions that work across national borders. "In threatening life on our planet, [climate change and nuclear weapons] pose a unique challenge to people of faith," says a 2008 report on WCC work in this field. Meeting each of those threats will require a more human-centered understanding of international security."

The church initiative for the Pelindaba Treaty stems from a 2006 WCC Assembly recommendation to support Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones. WCC member churches have been united in their opposition to nuclear arms for more than 60 years.

The Geneva-based WCC cooperates with international disarmament organizations there and abroad including, in this case, the Africa Peace Forum, the Institute for Strategic Studies in South Africa and the Parliamentary Network for Nuclear Disarmament.

"Other regions have done the same thing as Africa. We look forward to the day when Europe, Asia and North America are freed from nuclear weapons too," Archbishop Ntahoturi said.

Africa is now linked with other nuclear-weapon-free zones in Latin America, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and Central Asia, and with the nuclear-weapon-free state of Mongolia. The first zone was established in Latin America in the 1960s in response to the Cuban missile crisis.

Today's zones cover the southern hemisphere and adjacent areas up to the southern border of the United States, the southern shores of the Mediterranean, the six countries located between Russia and China, and along China's southeastern border. Treaties also protect Antarctica, the entire seabed and outer space from the placement of nuclear weapons.

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(c) Jonathan Frerichs is World Council of Churches' programme executive for nuclear disarmament and the Middle East, and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Source: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/10203

Security Council Report: Cross-Cutting Report 2009 No.2 1 September 2009

2009-09-03T12:04:00.005+02:00

Security Council Report’s series of Cross-Cutting Reports are designed to follow thematic issues on the Council’s agenda and track the way in which thematic principles are applied by the Council in individual country-specific situations. This report deals with the thematic issue which has been longest on the Council’s agenda—arms control and disarmament. It was the UN Charter itself, in 1945, which in article 26 gave the Council this mandate. In November 2008, at the initiative of Costa Rica, the Council returned to this wide and challenging responsibility. Following that debate Security Council Report began preparation of a detailed study of all aspects of the Council’s role in disarmament. This study is now being published in two parts. This first part deals with arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and is available to members in time for the summit-level Security Council meeting to be presided over by US President Barack Obama on 24 September 2009. The second part will also be published in September. It addresses the Council’s role in respect of conventional weapons and small arms. It also looks specifically, in a cross-cutting way, at the impact on disarmament at the local level deriving from Council action in country-specific situations, including arms embargoes, mandates for arms monitoring and disarmament of former combatants.

Please find a link to the Security Council Report: Cross-Cutting Report, 2009 No.2 1 September 2009 below:

http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/Disarmament%20September%202009.pdf

Article: Obama reaffirms his stance on nukes by Robert Einhorn and letter in response by Noel Stott (ISS)

2009-09-01T08:07:00.003+02:00

Obama reaffirms his stance on nukes by Robert Einhorn

The Star August 27, 2009 Edition 1:
Source: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5138971

Speaking to an audience in Prague in April, US President Barack Obama declared "clearly and with conviction America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons". He announced his intention to "reduce the role of nuclear weapons in (US) national security strategy and urge others to do the same".

The president knows that these goals can't be achieved quickly or easily. But he is determined to take concrete steps toward his vision, and he accepts the US's responsibility to play a leading role. Obama regards the reduction and eventual elimination of nuclear arsenals across the world as a critical element of a strategy to reinvigorate the global non-proliferation regime and its centrepiece, the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In recent years, that regime has come under growing pressure, including as a result of North Korea's violations of and withdrawal from the treaty and Iran's defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

To shore up the regime, it is essential to strengthen, in a balanced way, each of its three main pillars: pursuing nuclear disarmament, preventing the acquisition of nuclear weapons by more states and promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under international safeguards.
Obama's ambitious agenda in nuclear arms control and disarmament includes negotiating verifiable reductions in US and Russian nuclear weapons, working closely with the US Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and pursuing a multilateral treaty that verifiably ends the production of fissile materials for use in nuclear weapons.

Obama calls for reinforcing the non-proliferation pillar by giving the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) the resources and authority it needs to perform its critical monitoring and safeguarding mission and by ensuring that there will be immediate consequences for countries caught breaking the rules or trying to leave the NPT without cause.

No less important is bolstering the third pillar: promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Obama calls for building a new framework for civil nuclear co-operation so that countries can enjoy the benefits of civil nuclear energy without increasing the risks of proliferation. He holds that this "must be the right of every nation that renounces nuclear weapons, especially developing countries embarking on peaceful programmes. And no approach will succeed if it's based on the denial of rights to nations that play by the rules."

To these three pillars should be added another critical goal - preventing nuclear terrorism. Some have regarded this as a concern for just the US and a few other countries, but not for everyone. This is a narrow and dangerous view. We are all the potential victims of nuclear terrorism, whether directly or not.

The detonation of a terrorist's nuclear bomb in any of the world's major cities would not only cause unprecedented suffering and destruction in that city; it would also have devastating consequences - economic, security, political, and social - in every corner of the world.

That is why Obama believes that, within four years, we must secure all bomb-making nuclear materials across the world against theft or seizure - and why he will host a global summit on nuclear security in March to give high-level impetus to that effort.

In the past, it was often assumed that reducing global nuclear dangers was a task that could be achieved by a handful of countries. If that was ever true - and that is doubtful - it is no longer the case. In today's highly integrated world there must be many more seats at the table, and those at the table must pull their weight in addressing these dangers. When it comes to today's nuclear threats, we are all in the same boat.

We all have a vital stake in reducing those threats even as we take advantage of the civil uses of nuclear energy, and we all bear responsibility to do what we can to advance those goals. Too often in recent years, countries interested in addressing nuclear threats have acted as separate interest groups: as nuclear weapon states or non-nuclear weapon states; as countries with advanced civil nuclear energy programs or countries just embarking on such programmes; as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council or members of the Non-aligned Movement (NAM).

If we are to succeed in the urgent task of revitalising the non-proliferation regime, we must bridge these divides, abandon outdated modes of thinking, and work together to seek practical solutions serving our common interests. Obama attaches special importance to reaching out to a diverse group of influential countries - to listen to them and learn from them. That is why he agreed with President Jacob Zuma at their meeting in Italy to establish dialogue on disarmament and non-proliferation, dialogue that will get under way in Pretoria this week.

South Africa, guided by its knowledgeable and experienced ambassador to the IAEA, Abdul Minty, is a valued partner in efforts to bolster the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. As the only country to have built and then voluntarily dismantled all nuclear weapons and joined the NPT, it has unique credibility and moral authority.

It is a leading voice in the NAM. It has been a driving force in making Africa a nuclear weapons-free zone (and deserves congratulations for the entry into force of the Treaty of Pelindaba just a few weeks ago).
It has advanced civil nuclear energy capabilities. And it set an important example by bringing to justice black-market profiteers of the AQ Khan network.
The US wants to work closely with South Africa in the run-up to the nuclear security summit and the NPT review conference in May, and continue this co-operation in the years ahead.

Together, we can help lead the international community toward solutions that reduce today's nuclear threats while enabling all states to promote their energy and development goals by taking advantage of the peaceful uses of the atom.

The security and well-being of the people of South Africa and the US - indeed of all countries - are at stake in how well we are able to co-operate in these efforts.

Robert Einhorn is the special adviser for non-proliferation and arms control at the US Department of State. He is leading a US interagency team to Pretoria this week for the US-South Africa dialogue on disarmament and non-proliferation.

US still has much to do on nukes by Noel Stott

The Star 31 August, 2009 Edition 1:
Source: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5145542

I REFER to Robert Einhorn's insightful and useful piece on US President Obama's statement in Prague in April declaring "America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons" ("Obama reaffirms his stance on nukes", The Star, August 27).

Einhorn goes on to extol South Africa's future role in making the world a safer place, given that it not only manufactured several atomic bombs, but then voluntarily dismantled them, giving the country a unique moral authority with respect to disarmament.

He raises the crucial role that South Africa played in drafting the Treaty of Pelindaba, which, as he notes, came into force in July, making Africa, and indeed the southern hemisphere, a nuclear weapon-free zone. It has taken 13 years after it officially opened for signature to finally come into force with the 28th deposit of its ratification instrument by Burundi on July 15.

The treaty, which covers Africa as well as its islands, ensures that nuclear weapons are not developed, produced, tested or otherwise acquired or stationed in any of the countries on the continent. There is no doubt that the treaty confirms Africa's resolve to strengthen the global nuclear weapon-free regime and contribute to international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation processes. The treaty includes protocols for the five nuclear weapons states to sign and ratify. To date, the UK, France and China have signed and ratified these, but Russia and the US have yet to ratify. By adhering to the protocols, nuclear weapons states commit themselves to respecting the status of the zone.

Protocol I states that each protocol party undertakes not to use or threaten to use a nuclear explosive device against: any party to the treaty; or any territory within the African nuclear weapon-free zone for which a state that has become a party to Protocol III is internationally responsible. Under the Clinton administration, the US signed the protocol, but it has never been submitted it to the Senate for ratification; in fact, when signing it, the Clinton administration felt compelled to make it clear that its signature would not limit options available to the US in response to an attack by an African country using weapons of mass destruction.

Protocol II to the treaty requires that nuclear weapons states refrain from conducting nuclear testing within the zone. Both US and Russian ratifications are still pending.

The US has much to do; it should follow up on Obama's Prague speech by ratifying these protocols. This will send a clear message ahead of the review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in May that, like Africa, the US is committed to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation across the world.

In this way, to quote Einhorn, "we can help lead the international community towards solutions that reduce today's nuclear threats".

Noël Stott, Senior Research Fellow, Arms Management, Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria

Interview: Noël Stott (ISS) speaks to Polity's Amy Witherden on the newly ratified African Nuclear Weapon-Free-Zone Treaty

2009-08-31T09:26:00.003+02:00

Below please find an interview with Noel Stott (ISS) on entry-into-force of the Treaty of Pelindaba. This interview was conducted by Amy Witherden from Polity.

Source: http://www.polity.org.za/article/africa-is-now-officially-a-zone-free-of-nuclear-weapons-2009-08-28

Washington and South Africa conclude nuclear talks

2009-08-31T07:40:00.004+02:00

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The United States expects South Africa to be an important partner in limiting the spread of nuclear weapons, the State Department said Friday.

Delegations from the two countries held talks Wednesday through Friday in Pretoria. The U.S. delegation was led by Robert Einhorn, a special adviser for non-proliferation and arms control.

South African is the only state to have developed nuclear weapons and then abandoned the effort so it could join the Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear state, officials said, adding that gives the country a unique perspective and credibility on the issue.

The United States says South Africa can play a big role in helping realize President Obama's goal of a nuclear-free world.

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Link: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/08/28/Washington-S-Africa-conclude-nuke-talks/UPI-79751251517681/

Link to original U.S. State Department Press Release U.S.-South Africa Nonproliferation and Disarmament Dialogue: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/aug/128413.htm

UPDATE: Acknowledgments of the entry into force of Pelindaba at the Conference on Disarmament

2009-08-24T09:34:00.004+02:00

Unofficial transcript:

Algeria, Deputy Representative Boualem Chebihi
25 August 2009

"Mr. President, at a time when the Conference on Disarmament is continuing with its consultations in order to decide upon the best possible way of envisaging how to tackle its substantive work I wish to refer to the Pelindaba Treaty, which makes of Africa a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone, and which entered into force following the deposit on the 15th of July 2009 of 28 ratification instruments. Algeria is one of the first few member states of the African Union that ratified this treaty. It signed it on the 11th of April 1996, ratified it on the 23rd of December1997 and deposited the instruments of ratification relevant thereto on 11th of April 1998.

We welcome this fortunate development that is taking place 13 years after official opening of this treaty for signature. This treaty, which is an important component of the architecture of the African Union concerning peace and security, prohibits the development, manufacture, stockpiling, acquisition, possession and use of nuclear weapons throughout the African continent and neighboring islands.

With this important stage, Africa is significantly strengthening the concept of a nuclear weapon free zone and is making significant contribution to the international regime at disarmament of non nuclear proliferation. The African continent is thereby reflecting its active commitment to the global combat in order to preserve humanity from the specter of nuclear war, and creating a world which is free of weapons of mass destruction.

In order to guarantee respect for the provisions by non party states, three protocols are annexed to the Treaty, including one which calls upon nuclear weapon states not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against parties to the treaty and against any territory within the zone. We take this opportunity to call upon those countries which has not yet done so, to accede to these protocols. We also encourage the other African signatory states to ratify the Treaty.

The establishment of nuclear weapons free areas, apart from strengthening the regime of nuclear non proliferation, strengthens peace and security in the regions covered, and also enables the states concerned to dedicate their resources to priorities of economic and social development. It is also important to highlight that with the entering into force of a nuclear weapons free area in Africa, it is henceforth the whole of the southern hemisphere that has become free of nuclear weapons".

Unofficial transcript:

Mexico, Deputy Representative Mabel Gómez Oliver
20 August 2009

"I finalize, Madame President, by referring to a comforting and encouraging fact. Amongst the very positive developments that we noted in the international community, concerning disarmament, my Delegation wishes to highlight and express its gratitude to the countries of the African continent for the entry into force, last 15th of July, of the Pelindaba Treaty, establishing a nuclear-weapons free area in Africa. With this, the Southern Hemisphere as a whole will be free of these weapons. No doubt Africa will be showing its commitment nuclear disarmament and non proliferation and I invite other States to acknowledge this fact".

Source: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/political/cd/speeches09/index.html

OPANAL Council Resolution C/Res.52 on the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Africa

2009-08-24T09:24:00.005+02:00

Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean
20 August 2009

COUNCIL RESOLUTION C/Res.52

Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Africa

The Council,

Recalling the preamble of the Treaty of Tlatelolco which states that “the military denuclearization of vast geographical zones, adopted by the sovereign decision of the States comprised therein, will exercise a beneficial influence on other regions where similar conditions exist;”

Recalling further the Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa, issued by the Heads of
African States and Governments of the Organization of the African Unity during its first Ordinary
Session in Cairo, from 17 to 21 July 1964, which committed the African States to negotiate an
international agreement, to be concluded under the auspices of the United Nations not to
manufacture or acquire control of nuclear weapons;

Recalling also the signing of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of
Pelindaba) in Cairo on 11 April 1996;

Convinced that the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones is an important step toward
strengthening the nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation regime and the promotion of
regional and international peace and security;

Reiterating the provisions of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the
General Assembly which “called upon the nuclear-weapon States to take steps to assure the non-
nuclear-weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons;”

Bearing in mind the Declaration of the Conference on Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones,
adopted in Mexico on 28 April 2005, which expresses the interest of the States Parties and

Signatories to Treaties that Establish Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones in promoting cooperation and
consultation mechanisms among themselves,

Resolves:

1. To welcome with satisfaction the entry into force of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free
Zone with the ratification of the Government of Burundi on 15 July 2009.

2. To call upon African States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the Treaty of
Pelindaba as soon as possible.

3. To exhort the nuclear-weapon States and any other State contemplated in the Protocols of
the Treaty of Pelindaba that have not yet signed and ratified them to do so as soon as
possible.

4. To reaffirm our commitment to fulfill the common objectives established in the Treaties
of Tlatelolco, Rarotonga, Bangkok, Pelindaba, Central Asia and the Nuclear-Weapon-Free
State of Mongolia in order to promote nuclear-weapon-free zones and to contribute to
strengthen the NPT regime and achieve nuclear disarmament.

5. To entrust the Secretariat General to deliver the text of this Resolution to the President of
the Commission of the African Union, to the States Parties of OPANAL, to the Secretary
General of the United Nations and to the Focal Points of the other Nuclear-Weapons-Free
Zones.

(Adopted by the Council
on August 20, 2009)

Original Document: http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=1329157&da=y

Liberia Ratifies the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

2009-08-20T08:40:00.003+02:00

Liberia yesterday became the 149th nation to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Thirty-seven states in Africa have now ratified the pact that prohibits members from conducting explosive tests of nuclear weapons. Another 14 of the continent's 53 nations have signed but not yet ratified the treaty, according to the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization.

The treaty cannot enter into force without being ratified by the 44 "Annex 2" nations -- those that possessed nuclear power or research reactors while participating in negotiations on the

document in 1996. The pact has been fully approved by 35 of those countries; the holdouts are China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan and the United States.

"Liberia’s ratification comes at a time of great political support for the CTBT and its entry into force. On 24 September 2009, a meeting of the U.N. Security Council will address key issues of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, including the CTBT," the commission said in a press release. "The meeting will be chaired by U.S. President Barack Obama who earlier this year announced that he would pursue U.S. ratification of the CTBT 'immediately and aggressively.' A two-day gathering of states to promote the entry into the force of the treaty... will commence on the same day in New York. In light of the current political momentum, the conference, and the period leading up to it, offers a great opportunity for more states to sign and ratify the CTBT" (See Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization release, Aug. 19 for more info:

http://www.ctbto.org/press-centre/press-releases/2009/liberia-ratifies-comprehensive-nuclear-test-ban-treaty/).

Source: http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090819_5976.php

Breaking News: Burundi ratification brings Treaty of Pelindaba into force

2009-08-11T13:10:00.003+02:00

Africa is now officially a zone free of nuclear weapons!

Thirteen years after it officially opened for signature, the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba) has finally come into force with the twenty-eighth deposit of its ratification instrument by Burundi on 15 July 2009.

This important milestone follows concerted efforts by the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, South Africa and the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies based in Monterey, with the support of several other organisations, including the Parliamentary Network for Nuclear Disarmament (PNND), Groupe de Recherche et d’Information sur la Paix et la Sécurité (GRIP) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) to promote the ratification of the Treaty by the remaining members of the African Union (AU) and Morocco who have signed the Treaty, but not yet ratified it. The Treaty, which covers the entire African continent as well as its surrounding islands, ensures that nuclear weapons are not developed, produced, tested, or otherwise acquired or stationed in any of the countries on the continent.

Full text: http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=1309211&da=y