G-8 calls to prevent acts of nuclear terrorism

ITAR-TASS News Agency
July 17, 2006 Monday 11:27 AM EST

ST.PETERSBURG, July 17 — Leaders of the Group of Eight have called
on the states to join the International Convention on prevention of
nuclear terrorism and the amended Convention on the Physical Protection
of nuclear material, said a report circulated by the Group for nuclear
and physical security at the G-8 summit on Monday.

The document contains an appeal to the world community to create a
global regime of nuclear and physical security aimed at prevention
of acts of nuclear terrorism.

The problem of security of the Chernobyl nuclear power station was
specified in a particular clause. The Group of Eight has confirmed
its intention to render assistance to Ukraine in the realization
of projects aimed at improving security standards of the Chernobyl
nuclear power station and creating a new confinement zone.

The document expressed confidence in the EBRD (European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development) for managing the Chernobyl Shelter Fund
and funds of the nuclear security Account. The Ukrainian government and
EBRD should take all the necessary measures for promoting timely and
effective fulfillment of these programs in the coordinated framework,
the document said.

The Group of Eight will continue work for enhancing international
control over sources of radiation, including imports and exports.

The document also contains an appeal to Armenia to allocate funds and
make the necessary modernization to ensure safe use of the Armenian
nuclear power station until it stopped operating.