EMIRATES NEWS AGENCY–WAM
Qatar issued a call for countries to cooperate to remove the threat of nuclear terrorism. In an official statement released in July 2013, the country noted its support for nuclear disarmament, including increased compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the creation of nuclear weapons-free zones in the Middle East.
Qatar also has drawn attention to the challenges posed by the quantitative and geographical expansion of nuclear energy reactors in ensuring peaceful and sustainable use of nuclear energy, calling for the strengthening of nuclear security measures at all levels.
Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Qatar’s permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), urged countries to support the agency, strengthen laws to prevent nuclear terrorism, and raise public awareness of the importance of nuclear energy and nuclear security, the Qatar News Agency reported.
Al Mansouri called on the IAEA to enhance technical assistance to states for the establishment of effective nuclear security and safety systems, stressing the need for implementation of their regional and international obligations and membership in relevant international conventions, particularly the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. He also called on the IAEA to establish a regional and international cooperation network to help countries meet their obligations and to reassure the international community, especially neighboring countries, on the soundness of nuclear security systems.