Bush warns 'rogue states'

2005-03-08 11:48

Washington - United States President George W Bush on Monday called for punishing countries that desert the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and beefing up the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency's powers.

"We cannot allow rogue states that violate their commitments and defy the international community to undermine the NPT's fundamental role in strengthening international security," Bush said in a statement.

"We must therefore close the loopholes that allow states to produce nuclear materials that can be used to build bombs under the cover of civilian nuclear programs," he said.

The US leader did not name names, but Washington has been locked in disputes over nuclear programmes in North Korea - which pulled out of the NPT in 2003 to world shock - and Iran, which Washington has accused of seeking atomic weapons under the guise of developing a civilian nuclear programme.

US affirms committment

Bush's statement, released by the White House, came ahead of a May conference in New York to review the NPT, which prohibits the transfer of nuclear weapons and the technology to make them.

"In the context of this review, I reaffirm the determination of the United States to carry out its treaty commitments and to work to ensure its continuance in the interest of world peace and security," said Bush."

Since 1968, about 188 nations have put their names to the treaty.

Signatory nations include the five main nuclear powers - Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States - but not emerging nuclear states India, Pakistan or suspected nuclear state Israel.

"For international norms to be effective, they must be enforced," said Bush. "The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) must have the tools it needs to do its work, especially universal adherence to the Additional Protocol.

"It is essential in these times of great challenge to international security, particularly when rogue states and terrorists seek to acquire weapons of mass destruction, that the international community work together to confront the dangers of nuclear proliferation," said Bush.

"I call upon all states that are party to the Treaty to act promptly and effectively to meet the challenges to the NPT and our common security. By doing so, we can ensure that it remains an effective instrument of global security," he said. - AFP

- SAPA