The UN Conference on Disarmament takes steps to negotiate a Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The IAEA completes a preliminary radiological assessment of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan, urging more studies on levels of plutonium in soil and of radionuclides in drinking water. In February, the IAEA supervises the shipment from Iraq of the final consignment of spent fuel, which is sent to Russia under contract. The operation removes all declared nuclear-weapons-grade materials from Iraq; the IAEA’s work continues under a long-term plan for monitoring and verification of Iraq’s nuclear activities. A ban on sea dumping of radioactive wastes at sea takes effect under the London Dumping Convention. A quadripartite safeguards agreement enters into force, under which Argentina and Brazil accept comprehensive IAEA safeguards on all their nuclear activities. The DPRK announces its withdrawal from the IAEA; its safeguards agreement with Agency remains in force. In October, the USA and North Korea conclude an “agreed framework” for nuclear development and safeguards. States in June adopt the international Convention on Nuclear Safety, which is the first global legal instrument that binds countries to basic safety standards for land-based nuclear power plants. Work begins on an international convention on the safety of radioactive waste management and spent fuel. In November, the IAEA brings together governmental experts on issues of illicit trafficking in nuclear materials, in response to growing concerns over reports.