'SA part of nuke underworld'
2004-02-06 22:26
Jeanne Marie Versluis
London - Components used in the manufacture of nuclear bombs are believed to have been bought by a number of middlemen from countries that include South Africa.
According to the Daily Telegraph, components have been bought in Japan, Malaysia, Germany and in at least two other European countries.
Meanwhile, the United Nations' expert on atomic energy, Mohamed el-Baradei, has called for a new international policy to curb the flourishing black market trade in nuclear weapons technology.
This comes after Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf scolded nuclear expert Abdoel Kadeer Khan for dealing in nuclear components.
Khan is responsible for the Islamic world's first nuclear bomb.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is aware of Iran and Libya's nuclear programmes. However, it appears as if individuals are behind these programmes rather than governments.
El-Baradei warned of a very complex underground network of nuclear component operators.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the components, which have links to South Africa, were initially meant for use in the nuclear industry. Eventually, the components were used in machines that enriched uranium for nuclear weapons.
The Guardian reported that Musharraf said international investigators would not be allowed to speak to Khan.
- Volksblad