2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit: One step forward to realizing a
world without nuclear terrorism

armradio.am
27.03.2012 13:20

The 2012 Nuclear Security Summit, which was held at Seoul, came to an
end on March 27 following two days of discussion between 58 leaders
from states and international organizations.

‘The Seoul Summit produced concrete and visible plans to implement an
international consensus on the issue, thereby taking one step forward
to realizing a world without nuclear terrorism. Leaders announced
voluntary measures they have taken or plan to take, and further
adopted the ‘Seoul Communiqué’ which lays out comprehensive and
specific measures to prevent nuclear and radiological terrorism.

The Communiqué emphasizes the importance of securing and eliminating
HEU; encourages States, by the end of 2013, to announce voluntary
specific actions intended to minimize the use of HEU; encourages the
universal adherence to relevant international instruments, in
particular seeking to bring into effect the amended Convention on the
Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials by 2014; and welcomes the
establishment of Centers of Excellence for training and education in
nuclear security.

The Seoul Summit broadened the scope of discussions on nuclear
security by comprehensively addressing issues both dealt with at the
Washington Summit – including the protection of nuclear materials and
facilities and countering nuclear smuggling, as well as new issues
such as the nexus between nuclear safety and security and the
protection of radioactive sources.

In particular, in addition to individual national commitments,
multiple voluntary joint proposals were announced on countering
nuclear smuggling, the security of sensitive information, transport
security and other key areas. Such explicit joint efforts by states
suggest a new model for international cooperation in nuclear security.

Meanwhile, Leaders agreed to hold the next Nuclear Security Summit in
the Netherlands, which attests to the international community’s
commitment to maintain the momentum generated by the Summit process.
When they reassemble in 2014, Leaders will review the progress made on
the commitments made in Seoul, as well as discuss further measures to
enhance nuclear security.