Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am very pleased to welcome you all to this first meeting of Points of Contact and Central Authorities of States Parties to the CPPNM. I understand that there are over one hundred participants from more than 70 countries.
As you know, the CPPNM is the first, and only, international legally binding undertaking on the physical protection of nuclear material used for peaceful purposes.
Parties to the Convention have met only twice since it entered into force in 1987. So I am glad that this meeting is taking place, and that it is so well attended.
The Convention has undoubtedly helped to make the world more secure by making it harder for terrorists and other criminals to obtain nuclear materials. But there are some shortcomings in implementation which I hope your meeting will address.
For example, Parties are supposed to inform the IAEA, as depositary, of the laws and regulations which they have introduced to give effect to the Convention. Despite reminders, only 12 Parties have so far done so.
Similarly, States Parties are required to provide information on Points of Contact and Central Authorities. Again - despite regular prompting by the Agency – only 111 out of 152 States Parties have done so.
These are simple, but important, measures. By developing practical and operational mechanisms, and improving the exchange of information, we will be better placed to face emerging challenges in nuclear security.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Nuclear security is a national responsibility. But the threats we face transcend borders and effective international coordination is vital.
The IAEA, with 167 Member States, plays the central role in helping the world act in unison against nuclear terrorism.
The Agency has worked hard in the last few years to encourage countries to adhere to the 2005 Amendment to the CPPNM. Entry into force of the Amendment is the most important area of unfinished business in global nuclear security.
Good progress has been made in recent years. Morocco’s ratification last week brings to just 12 the number of countries that must still adhere to the Amendment in order for it to enter into force.
As we move towards the next IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security in December 2016, I ask all countries that have not yet done so to adhere to this important nuclear security instrument as a matter of urgency.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The IAEA plays an important role in providing legal and technical assistance to States to help them meet their national and international responsibilities related to nuclear security.
I am confident that your discussions at this Technical Meeting will generate some valuable ideas to help us move forward and do our job even more effectively.
I wish you a successful meeting and I look forward to learning about the outcome.
Thank you.