Y. AMANO
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tokyo, Japan
Email: yukiya.amano@mofa.go.jp
1. IMPORTANCE OF NUCLEAR SECURITY
Since the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, the international community has reviewed and strengthened measures against terrorism in a wide range of areas with a sense of urgency. However, terrorist organizations are increasing their capabilities in carrying out activities such as crossing borders, acquisition of funds and weapons, propaganda campaigns, and making use of advanced science and technology.
Strengthened nuclear security measures have particular importance in the fight against terrorism. Nuclear terrorism, should it happen, could cause immeasurable damage and psychological impact on our whole society.
Therefore, we should make the utmost effort to take the necessary measures as extensively as possible in order to protect society from nuclear terrorism.
2. THE IAEA’S ACTIVITIES
Let me briefly touch upon the importance that the Government of Japan attaches to the IAEA’s role in the field of nuclear security. Immediately after 11 September 2001, the IAEA took concrete action, including the drafting of a plan of activities for nuclear security and an appeal for the establishment of the Nuclear Security Fund for implementing the plan.
The IAEA has played a significant role in enhancing physical protection through a series of revisions of guidance. The latest document, INFCIRC/225/
Rev.4, which includes design basis threats, provides valuable guidance to Member States. For the efficient physical protection of nuclear material, it is highly commendable to expand its scope from international transport to inland transport, usage, storage and nuclear facilities themselves. In this context, we welcome the fact that momentum has been built up since last summer to amend the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. We expect that
the IAEA diplomatic conference will successfully conclude negotiations this July.
Considering their relative widespread availability and possible diversion to a dirty bomb, the management and control of radioactive sources is no less urgent than the protection of nuclear material. In this respect, we appreciate the efforts made by the IAEA in formulating the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources as well as the Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources. Furthermore, we recognize the IAEA’s consistent approach to universalize the Additional Protocol with a view to strengthening the safeguards system. Its universalization will contribute to enhancing nuclear security, with better tools to detect undeclared nuclear activities in a State.
While the IAEA has been playing an important role in making rules and regulations in this field, it is the responsibility of Member States to implement them, especially INFCIRC/225/Rev.4, the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and the Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources.
3. JAPAN’S MEASURES
Let me now turn to the various counterterrorism measures that the Japanese Government has undertaken.
Regarding international conventions and protocols to curtail terrorist activities, Japan has already concluded and implemented all the 12 counterterrorism conventions and protocols. Also, Japan has been making stringent efforts to fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1540 and other relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Japan supports reaching agreement on the amendment of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material in July and the early conclusion of the negotiations on the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. With a view to strengthening nuclear security, Japan has been actively promoting the universalization of the Additional Protocol in cooperation with the IAEA and the States concerned.
As for the domestic implementation of rules and regulations in the field of the physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities, Japan is in the process of strengthening the regulatory framework by introducing a design basis threat approach and an inspection system to verify continued compliance, together with the employment of inspectors. In addition, a legal confidentiality obligation for operators and their employees engaged in physical protection measures will be established.
The maritime transport of nuclear and radioactive material is indispen-sable for Japan. As a country surrounded by sea and without significant indigenous resources, it is indispensable in order for Japan to ensure a stable and efficient supply of nuclear energy. I can assure you that the maritime transports in which Japan has been involved have been carried out safely in the past 30 years, and that such transports have been undertaken by strictly imple-menting safety measures to satisfy the standards of the IAEA and the Interna-tional Maritime Organization.
With regard to international cooperation, the Government of Japan provides assistance by utilizing the accumulated Japanese experience in the fields of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and by active participation in expanding and streamlining IAEA safeguards. This assistance has centred on the area of accountancy and control of nuclear security. Japan also shares experience gained through implementing counterterrorism conventions with the States concerned and hosts seminars and training courses on nuclear safety regulations in an effort to strengthen physical protection measures for nuclear material and facilities. The Japanese Government will continue to provide assistance in the areas in which it has a comparative advantage.
4. FUTURE DIRECTIONS
As for possible future directions, setting specific targets and long term objectives are issues of great importance for the international community. In our view, specific targets would include the following: firstly, the early conclusion of negotiations to amend the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material; secondly, the implementation of INFCIRC/225/Rev.4, the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and the Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources; thirdly, strength-ening activities under the Nuclear Security Plan of Activities; and fourthly, universalization of the Additional Protocol. The long term objectives may include strengthening the IAEA guideline on physical protection measures, taking into account realistic situations involving terrorists. Closer coordination of safety measures in nuclear facilities would also be necessary.
Effective nuclear security measures are closely linked to other counterterrorism measures such as immigration control, aviation security, port and marine security, customs cooperation and export control. In this context, all States concerned are encouraged to cooperate closely, by utilizing their respective advantages, to enhance the standard of international counterterrorism measures and thereby to further coordinate and strengthen
comprehensive measures, while the IAEA is encouraged to coordinate closely with other international organizations in this field.
The Government of Japan sincerely hopes that the IAEA will continue to play a pivotal role in the field of nuclear security, utilizing the accumulated experience and expertise it possesses. Japan will spare no efforts to support the important activities that the IAEA is implementing.