World Leaders: Nuclear Terrorism a ‘Grave Threat’
World leaders have called for closer co-operation to tackle the threat of nuclear terrorism at a summit on nuclear security in Seoul.
A communique at the end of the summit reiterated a joint call to secure “vulnerable nuclear material”.
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said nuclear terrorism remained a “grave threat”, while US President Barack Obama said action was key.
The meeting was dominated by North Korea’s plan to launch a rocket.
North Korea says the long-range rocket will carry a satellite when it goes up in April. The US says any launch would violate UN resolutions and constitute a missile test.
Iran’s nuclear programme was also on the minds of the summit participants, with Mr Obama pledging to meet the leaders of Russia and China on the sidelines to work towards a resolution.
‘Bad actors’
At the meeting, world leaders discussed measures to fight the threat of nuclear terrorism, including the protection of nuclear materials and facilities, as well as the prevention of trafficking of nuclear materials.
A joint communique released at the moment reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
“Nuclear terrorism continues to be one of the most challenging threats to international security,” it said.
“Defeating this threat requires strong national measures and international cooperation given its potential global, political, economic, social and psychological consequences.”