WASHINGTON, March 8: US President George Bush on Monday called for punishing countries that desert the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and beefing up the UN nuclear watchdog agency's powers.

"We cannot allow rogue states that violate their commitments and defy the international community to undermine the NPT's fundamental role in strengthening international security," President Bush said in a statement.

"We must therefore close the loopholes that allow states to produce nuclear materials that can be used to build bombs under the cover of civilian nuclear programs," Mr Bush said.

The US leader did not name names, but Washington has been locked in disputes over nuclear programs in North Korea - which pulled out of the NPT in 2003 to world shock - and Iran, which Washington has accused of seeking atomic weapons under the guise of developing a civilian nuclear program.

"In the context of this review, I reaffirm the determination of the United States to carry out its treaty commitments and to work to ensure its continuance in the interest of world peace and security," said Mr Bush.

Since 1968, some 188 nations have put their names to the treaty. "For international norms to be effective, they must be enforced," said Mr Bush.

"It is essential in these times of great challenge to international security, particularly when rogue states and terrorists seek to acquire weapons of mass destruction, that the international community work together to confront the dangers of nuclear proliferation," said Mr Bush. -AFP