

MEDIA RELEASE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS ALEXANDER DOWNER FA59            4  May  2005







AUSTRALIAN NUCLEAR CONTROLS TO BE STRENGTHENED

Australia will take the lead in making the Additional Protocol on strengthened nuclear  safeguards a pre-condition for the supply of uranium to non-nuclear weapon states.

This decision further strengthens the stringent conditions for supply of Australian uranium  and underscores the Government’s commitment to practical measures to combat the threat of  nuclear proliferation.  It will also encourage other nuclear suppliers to match Australia’s  initiative.

The Additional Protocol toughens the nuclear watchdog role of the International Atomic  Energy Agency.  Australia played a leading role in the development of the Additional  Protocol and was the first country to implement it.

Australia aims to bring this policy into force as soon as possible and will be consulting others,  both suppliers and customers, on timing.



Media enquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial)  02 6277 7500      Julie McDonald (Departmental)  02 6261 1555





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