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UNITED NATIONS, April 13: The UN General Assembly approved a nuclear terrorism treaty on Wednesday that would oblige governments to prosecute those who illegally possess atomic devices or radioactive materials. The document, after seven years of negotiation, is the 13th anti-terrorism convention and the first completed since the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.
The pact will be open for signature on Sept 14 in New York, during a high-level summit and needs ratification from 22 nations to become international law. The General Assembly passed it by consensus, without a vote.
The accord, called the Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, is meant to stop clandestine networks from using or possessing nuclear weapons.
It obligates governments to prosecute or extradite individuals who possess radioactive materials or nuclear devices or those who threaten others while possessing such materials. The text also calls for exchanges of information and assistance among governments.
PAKISTAN WARNS: Saying that distinction must be maintained between counter terrorism and non-proliferation, Pakistan warned against discrimination and selectivity against states and non-proliferation should not be advanced under the cover of counter-terrorism.
Addressing the UN General Assembly Pakistan’s Ambassador Munir Akram underscored the need for interpreting and applying the “Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism” in a manner fully compatible with the requirements of international law applicable in armed conflict, particularly the principles and rules of international humanitarian law.
He was speaking in the assembly following the adoption of the convention by consensus.
Mr Akram underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy against terrorism, which would effectively address the root causes of terrorism. He also called for evolving a definition of terrorism by consensus, which should not prejudice the legitimate rights of people to struggle against foreign occupation and for self-determination and must not exclude state terrorism.
Pakistan’s chief delegate expressed concern since “the terrorists are more likely to acquire biological and chemical weapons rather than nuclear weapons which are difficult even for states to develop. We need to address these concerns also, especially through the adoption and implementation of effective verification schemes to ensure compliance with the comprehensive ban against chemical weapons and biological weapons”.
Mr Akram emphasized that “for sustained success against terrorism, we need to adopt a comprehensive strategy — one which effectively addresses the root causes of terrorism such as foreign occupation, denial of self-determination, and political and socio-economic injustices.”
