BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

2005-09-14 02:58:36

Belarus to sign int'l convention against nuclear terrorism

www.chinaview.cn

MOSCOW, Sept. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko issued on Wednesday a decree declaring that Belarus will sign the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, the Itar-Tass news agency quoted the presidential press service as reporting from Minsk.

Belarus stressed the importance of the convention that "closes the gap in the area of international law for regulating the fight against terrorism and is aimed to prevent terrorists from getting hold of nuclear materials," the press service said.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the international convention on combating nuclear terrorism in April of the year, which was initiated by Russia.

"Belarus' acceding to the convention and the president's signing it during the 60th session of the United Nations General Assembly will be evidence of Belarus' active and consistent stand in the framework of the anti-terrorist coalition under the United Nations auspices," the press service noted.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin became first among the leaders of 63 countries to sign the international document in the foyer on the first floor of the UN Headquarters inNew York.

The 15-page pact codifies definitions for trafficking in controlled nuclear materials and calls on participating states to adapt national laws to tighten controls on unsanctioned use of such materials.

About 40 countries were expected to accede to the convention onWednesday alone, the first day of a three-day United Nations summit, according to a senior Russian official. Enditem

Source:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-09/14/content_3491966.htm