RESPONDING TO NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION CHALLENGES

Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons is a high priority in the maintenance of international peace and security. Countries benefit from efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, and therefore should join in strengthening those efforts. International security and well-being are profoundly affected by the outcome of such efforts. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should be encouraged to make full use of existing verification authorities, including using special inspections to investigate suspected nuclear weapons-related activities even when no nuclear materials are present. Moreover, the IAEA Secretariat and member state efforts to promote universal adherence to the Additional Protocol (AP) should be continued and strengthened, with the goal of achieving broad recognition that a comprehensive safeguards agreement (CSA), together with an AP, constitute the Agency’s verification standard. The IAEA Secretariat and IAEA member states, likewise, should take collective action to strengthen the IAEA’s technical capabilities to implement safeguards. It is insufficient just to improve the IAEA’s ability to detect safeguards violations through full implementation of CSAs and APs. Potential violators also must understand that they will pay a high price for violating the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The international community’s efforts to remedy non-compliance need strengthening. Countries should work together to improve the mechanisms available to enforce compliance.