Nuclear Security Initiatives in Southeast Asia Get Financial Support from Australia

Australia announced a contribution of €250 000 (A$450 000) to strengthen nuclear security in Southeast Asia through the IAEA´s Nuclear Security Fund initiative.

The Fund is a voluntary funding mechanism for Member States established to support the IAEA´s activities in nuclear security aimed at preventing, detecting and responding to nuclear terrorism. The grant reflects the high priority the Australian Government attaches to the work of the IAEA in this area and also to promoting capacity-building with regional partners, states a press release issued by Australia´s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Originally set up in 2002 for a period of three years, the IAEA´s Nuclear Security Fund was extended in September 2005 when the IAEA Board approved a new Nuclear Security Plan covering the period 2006-2009. Implementation of this plan has been almost wholly dependent on the donation of extra-budgetary contributions by Member States and others (IAEA News). This is a good initiatve which should be supported by all the Member States. Look at Pakistan. Are the nuclear weapons are in safe hands?
Nuclear terrorism should be stopped at all costs.