Nuclear terrorism is 'biggest threat'

Monday, April 12, 2010

US President Barack Obama has singled out the threat of a terrorist organisation acquiring nuclear weapons as the biggest threat to international security ahead of a two-day nuclear summit in Washington.

"This is something that could change the security landscape in this country and around the world for years to come," said President Obama. "If there was ever a detonation in New York City, or London, or Johannesburg, the ramifications economically, politically and from a security perspective would be devastating.

"We know that organisations like al-Qaida are in the process of trying to secure nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction, and would have no compunction at using them."

Obama will call on the 47 international governments attending his nuclear security summit in Washington to agree to account for all loose nuclear material within four years. He is also expected to ask for tougher prosecutions for people caught trafficking in weapons grade materials.

The US government announced a softening of its nuclear stance in early April, but specifically excluded North Korea and Iran as they were 'in violation' of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. The Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency is boycotting the conference, and has reportedly filed a complaint with the United Nations following President Obama's announcement that he would not rule out using nuclear force against the country in the event of a chemical, biological or large scale conventional attack.