The United States Friday formally ratified the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), a move welcomed by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano as "an important step to bolster nuclear security around the world." Two-thirds of the 151 States Parties to the Convention must adhere to the Amendment for it to enter into force. Adherence by 14 more States Parties is still needed for the Amendment to take effect.
"The adoption of the Amendment to the CPPNM is the single most important step the international community can take to strengthen nuclear security globally," Amano said after receiving the instrument of ratification from Ambassador Henry S. Ensher, the newly appointed Resident Representative of the United States to the IAEA. "The ratification of the Amendment by the USA brings this vital tool a step closer to coming into force."
The CPPNM, the only legally binding international undertaking in the area of physical protection of nuclear material, entered into force in 1987. It focuses on the physical protection of nuclear material used for peaceful purposes during international transport. However, the CPPNM doesn't cover the physical protection of nuclear material in peaceful domestic use, storage or transport — or the physical protection of nuclear facilities. In 2005, the States Parties to the Convention adopted the Amendment to broaden its scope.
"The 2005 Amendment obliges countries to protect nuclear facilities, as well as nuclear material in domestic use, storage and transport. It provides for more international cooperation on locating and recovering stolen or smuggled nuclear material," Amano said. "It would make it harder for terrorists to get their hands on nuclear material or to sabotage a nuclear facility."
Meeting with Amano at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Chargé ad interim and Governor from the USA, Henry Ensher delivered his country's instrument of ratification.
The USA's ratification of the Amendment follows that of Italy and Turkey, which submitted their instruments to the IAEA on 8 July 2015.
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