Media Release
FA31 / 6 March 2002
Australia Contributes to New International Fund to Combat Nuclear/Radiological
Terrorism
I am pleased to announce that Australia will make a one-off contribution
of A$100,000 to a new fund being established by the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna to support international efforts
to address the threat of nuclear/ radiological terrorism.
The terrible events of 11 September last year underline the importance
of concerted international efforts to keep nuclear weapons and radiological
material out of the hands of terrorists. While the risk of such attacks
need to be kept in perspective, their potential consequences justify
determined and comprehensive counter-measures by the international
community.
The IAEA is the appropriate agency to lead international efforts
to deal with this threat. The new fund is part of a welcome package
of measures put forward by IAEA Director General Dr ElBaradei, which
will be considered by the IAEA Governing Board at its next meeting
in Vienna from 18 to 20 March.
I hope that Australia's early pledge to the new fund will encourage
other countries to come forward with funding for urgent IAEA projects.
Australia also wants to see the activities proposed by the IAEA integrated
into the regular budget of the Agency.
This additional funding to the IAEA complements other Australian
activities at national, regional and global levels on nuclear safety
and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
It should also be seen as part of Australia's significant wider contribution
to the war against terrorism.
Australia is a longstanding and strong supporter of the IAEA. Australia's
Ambassador in Vienna, Max Hughes, currently chairs the IAEA Board
of Governors, and John Carlson, the Director General of the Australian
Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO), heads a high level
group advising the IAEA Director General on nuclear safeguards (SAGSI).
Media inquiries: Lyndall Sachs (Departmental) 02 6261 1555
Local Date:
Sunday, 05-Jul-2009 13:12:48 EST
