

MEDIA RELEASE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS ALEXANDER DOWNER

FA150           7  November  2004





REGIONAL CONFERENCE TACKLES NUCLEAR TERRORISM THREAT

Australia will host the Asia-Pacific Nuclear Safeguards and Security conference in Sydney on  8-9 November.

This  important  regional  conference  aims  to  combat  the  proliferation  of  nuclear  weapons   around the world.  It will build commitment towards ensuring that rogue states and terrorist  groups cannot access and misuse nuclear and radiological material.

Ministers  from  Asia-Pacific  countries  and  the  Director  General  of  the  International  Atomic   Energy Agency, Dr Mohamed ElBaradei, will attend.

Australia  places  a  high  priority  on  cooperation  with  our  regional  neighbours  on  nuclear   security.  This  conference  will  open  new  opportunities  for  practical  engagement  on  nuclear   security issues, especially efforts to protect against nuclear terrorism.

While the risk of nuclear and radiological terrorism is less than attack by conventional means,  the  awful  consequences  of  nuclear  terrorism  make  it  imperative  that  the  global  community   take this emerging threat seriously.

I  am  opening  the  conference  and  will  also  take  the  opportunity  to  discuss  nuclear  issues,   including Iran’s nuclear program, with Dr ElBaradei and other participants.

The conference will also contribute to regional preparations for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation  Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, to be held in New York in May 2005.

A  strong  and  effective  non-proliferation  treaty  is  essential  to  prevent  the  spread  of  nuclear   weapons,  progress  nuclear  disarmament  and  to  maintain  the  confidence  necessary  for   cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.



Media inquiries:  Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500     Justin Lee (Departmental) 6261 1555























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