UNITED NATIONS, Nov 1: The head of UN nuclear watchdog agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, on Monday called for the start of negotiations on a long-stalled global treaty banning the production of nuclear materials for weapons.

“It is essential that we take steps to eliminate both access to and production of material for nuclear weapons,” ElBaradei, the director-general of International Atomic Energy Agency, told the UN General Assembly.

The assembly called in 1993 for negotiation of such a pact — also known as the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty.

In the four years since the 9/11 attacks against the United States, Mr ElBaradei said the IAEA had conducted more than 100 nuclear security field missions. Some 1,500 individuals from all regions have received IAEA training in measures related to preventing nuclear and radiological terrorism, he said.

“The results are tangible: strengthened physical protection at nuclear facilities; recovery and enhanced security for hundreds of high intensity radioactive sources; increased security awareness among responsible national officials; better cooperation among international law enforcement organizations; enhanced detection capabilities at border crossings; and improved preparedness for responding to incidents,” he said.