A high-level international conference on the safety and security of radioactive sources ended in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The conference was organised by the UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation in cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organisation, the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the International Source Suppliers and Producers Association and the World Institute for Nuclear Security.
“The conference discussed at some length whether a legally binding international instrument should be developed on the safety and security of radioactive sources,” said ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA, in his closing speech as president of the conference.
“While recognising the many advantages which might accrue from having such an instrument, participants nevertheless acknowledged that the existing voluntary arrangements had been recognised by 119 member states and that significant progress had been made in improving the safety and security of radioactive sources as a result,” he said.
Mr Alkaabi said some issues still needed work.
“Not all states have made a political commitment to the code and some states that have done so have not made progress in implementing its provisions,” he said.
“While the legal and regulatory framework addresses safety in many states, there are often inadequate arrangements for the security of radioactive sources,” he said. “Some progress has been made, but more needs to be done.”
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