World leaders or international organization representatives attending the Washington Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) on Tuesday proposed in a work plan a series of detailed measures designed to secure nuclear material in response to the growing threats of nuclear terrorism.?
The seven-page work plan, released at the end of the two-day summit, recognized states' rights to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, and noted the responsibility of each state for the use and management of all nuclear materials and facilities under its jurisdiction.
The plan said highly enriched uranium and separated plutonium are particularly sensitive and require special precautions, including the consolidation of national sites where nuclear material is held and the exercise of particular care in ensuring the safe and secure transport of nuclear materials, both in domestic and international transport.
The plan urged every participating state to be mindful of its responsibility to maintain effective nuclear security and a robust domestic regulatory capacity, including the establishment, review, adjustment and enforcement of related regulations as well as personnel training.
The plan also emphasized the importance of the human dimension of nuclear security, the need to enhance security culture, and the need to maintain a well-trained cadre of technical experts.
The work plan underscored the value of exchanging accurate and verified information, without prejudice to confidentiality provisions, to detect, prevent, suppress, investigate and prosecute acts or attempted acts of illicit nuclear trafficking and nuclear terrorism.