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| UN Secretary-General; Ban Ki-Moon |
(Being text of UN
Secretary-General’s remarks at the high-level meeting on countering nuclear
terrorism, with a specific focus on strengthening the legal framework, in New
York on 28 September, 2012)
Thank you all for participating in
this important high-level meeting. I especially thank the Counter-Terrorism
Implementation Task Force Office for organizing this session and for bringing
together the relevant United Nations partners working on this issue.
The prospect of terrorists acquiring
nuclear materials is one of the most unnerving threats imaginable. Yet
some have already stated their hopes of obtaining nuclear weapons. Still
others may be working in the shadows to achieve this goal.
We must use all our tools to contain
this nuclear genie. As we confront other challenges relating to nuclear
disarmament, we cannot allow these arms to proliferate to non-State actors or
terrorists.
The
international community has already taken important steps to address this
threat. We have a solid foundation in the International Convention for
the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, and Security Council resolution
1540 (2004).
The Convention, with 82 States
parties, enhances international cooperation to prevent nuclear terrorism and to
prosecute and punish perpetrators of such acts. Resolution 1540 counters
the threat posed by nuclear, biological and chemical weapons by pressing States
to adopt comprehensive measures to prevent non-State actors from gaining access
to weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery for terrorist
purposes.
Now we must build on this
progress. That is why in March, at the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, I set
out five focus areas to address the threat and suggested that we convene
today’s meeting. This meeting covers the first area: consolidating
the global nuclear security architecture through universal adherence to
international instruments and a rigorous review mechanism.
I urge all countries to become party
to the Convention, implement it at the national level, and fully comply with
resolution 1540 (2004).
We must also do more to build up the
capacity of States to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
and related materials. The United Nations system is already providing
wide-ranging assistance. We are determined to better respond to national
needs. Any act of nuclear terrorism would gravely threaten international
peace and security. I call on all of you to respond with a strong sense of
resolve.
Thank you.
