Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart, George W. Bush, adopted a joint statement on global efforts to fight nuclear terrorism ahead of a Group of Eight summit later Saturday, urging countries signatories to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to intensify cooperation in the sphere.
The two countries intend to increase control over the amount of nuclear materials and radioactive substances in their possession and improve security in cooperation with NPT states and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog.
They also plan to improve cooperation in dealing with aftermath of acts of nuclear terrorism, in developing equipment for fighting terrorists, and measures to prevent countries from harboring terrorists.
The presidents said the initiative would not cover security at military nuclear facilities, which is the nuclear powers' sovereign prerogative and duty.
The initiative will rest on national efforts in the sphere, but also envisions international exercises, expert meetings, exchanges, and mutual assistance.
Putin and Bush said they would order efforts to raise awareness in industry and the general public and pledged to amend national legislation to establish tougher sentences for terrorists and their accomplices.
