No. Date

M65 1 May 1992

ARGENTINE WEAPONS EXPORT CONTROLS WELCOMED

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Senator Gareth  Evans, today welcomed Argentina's announcement of a new

comprehensive regime to prevent Argentine exports being

misused for the development of weapons of mass destruction.

President Menem of Argentina announced on 27 April measures to  prevent exports of Argentine-origin sensitive goods,

technology and services being diverted by others to the

illicit production of chemical, biological, or nuclear

weapons, or missile capabilities.

"Argentina has  commitment to  Sena tor Evans  leadership and

demonstrated over recent months  shared and central disarmament  said. "It has set an example

its absolute  objectives,"  of regional

statesmanship."

The measures comprehensively regulate the export of nuclear  material and equipment, of chemical and biological weaponsÂ­ relevant precursor substances, and of missiles and missile  technology. They also require export approval for the

shipment of relevant goods and services not specifically

listed (eg. chemical substances or material, equipment,

technology, technical assistance and/or services) when such  exports would or could be employed in projects or activities  relating to weapons of mass destruction.  "I welcome particularly Argentina's decision, as a significant  emerging nuclear supplier, to ban export of sensitive nuclear  technologies, and to require states wishing to obtain nuclear  reactors or enriched uranium, and related technology, to

accept IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) fullscope  safeguards," said Senator Evans.

"Australia consistently has encouraged all nuclear supplier  states to adopt fullscope safeguards as a condition for

nuclear supply. Argentina's announcement,  after the similar statement by the Nuclear  ( NSG) at its March meeting in Warsaw,

particularly satisfying.

coming so soon

Suppliers Group  therefore is

"In view of Argentina's clear commitment to non-proliferation,  I hope Argentina will now accept the NSG's invitation for it

to become a member of the group. A logical next step would be

accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear  Weapons (NPT), a step I encourage Argentina to take.

* * *

CANBERRA

