Nuclear security a top priority, says UAE

Risk of malicious acts using nuclear or radioactive materials remains a high and serious threat, says IAEA representative.

DUBAI // The UAE has thrown its weight behind international plans to strengthen nuclear security.

Hamad Al Kaabi, who is the permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, joined 122 other member representatives in calling for the agency's Nuclear Security Plan for 2014 to 2017 to be finalised.

A joint declaration at the IAEA's five-day conference on nuclear security in Vienna this month expressed concern at the threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism.

Delegates said they recognised the agency's efforts to raise awareness of the growing threat of cyber attacks and their potential impact on nuclear security and encouraged it to take further steps to foster international cooperation.

More than 1,300 representatives from 123 IAEA member states participated in the conference.

The UAE delegation was headed by Mr Al Kaabi but it also included senior officials from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.

"Strengthening nuclear security is a priority in light of the expansion of the use of nuclear and radioactive materials globally, and taking into consideration the increased threat of nuclear terrorism," Mr Al Kaabi said during the conference.

"The risk of malicious acts using nuclear or radioactive materials remains a high and serious threat.

"As evidenced by its support for a number of non-proliferation and security initiatives, and international instruments aimed at limiting the spread of nuclear weapons, the UAE considers non-proliferation to be of the highest importance."

The ambassador said the declaration would provide the agency with a strong basis for future work in the area of nuclear security and its efforts to enhance nuclear security worldwide, through its next Nuclear Security Plan.

The UAE delegation also participated in various panel discussions addressing the main themes and topics of the conference, including presentation of a paper on the UAE's experience as a country embarking on a nuclear programme.

Mr Al Kaabi told the conference that the UAE's domestic security framework had been developed in conformity with international standards.

"The UAE has signed and become party to all nuclear security-related instruments, including convention on the physical protection of nuclear material, and has accepted the amendments," he said.

The IAEA's role in nuclear security is paramount, Mr Al Kaabi said, as it provides assistance to member states to ensure the full implementation of the conventions and adequacy of the measures in place.

"The UAE reiterates its stance on the importance of international nuclear cooperation and sharing of experience. We continue to work with international partners of nuclear security," he said.

Mr Al Kaabi told delegates the UAE would host the IAEA international conference on the safety and security of radioactive sources in October.

"The conference will focus on strategies and techniques for maintaining continuous control over radioactive sources throughout their life-cycle," he said.

"The UAE considers non-proliferation to be of the highest importance.

"In support of this policy and in order to reflect its strong belief in the security of the nation, its neighbours and the world will best be protected by avoiding the spread of nuclear weapons and the technology to acquire them, the UAE Government has repeatedly and assertively stated that it is against the existence of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East."