VIENNA (Sputnik) – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the most suitable platform for the international exchange of practices on issues of safeguarding nuclear material and facilities, Russia's permanent envoy to the IAEA said Sunday.
Vladimir Voronkov's statement comes after an amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), strengthening the security of nuclear materials around the globe, entered into force earlier on Sunday after 11 years of negotiations and approvals.
"The objective is.. for the countries to have the opportunity to share practices in this area [the protection of nuclear material and facilities]. The IAEA is the most suitable platform for this, as it has accumulated the relevant experience,” Vladimir Voronkov said.
The 2005 amendment to the CPPNM makes it legally binding for the states to establish, implement and maintain an appropriate physical protection of nuclear material and facilities under their jurisdiction. It also provides for the prosecution of smuggling of nuclear materials, which, according to the IAEA, will strengthen protection against terrorists.
On April 2, world leaders committed to reaffirming the central role the IAEA plays in strengthening global nuclear security, according to a joint communique.
