Zuma: IAEA help indispensable

2010-04-13 22:33

Johannesburg - The assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with nuclear security for the World Cup is indispensable, President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday in Washington DC.

"We welcome the assistance provided by governments as well," he said addressing the IAEA conference.

Zuma said government should be concerned about the existence of networks dealing in the illicit transfer of nuclear-related technology that could be used in manufacturing weapons of mass destruction.

He said the IAEA should be strengthened.

"In promoting nuclear security, it is important that we place emphasis on a multilateral approach."

He said this will uphold the centrality of the United Nations.

"It is also extremely important that states pool their resources in fighting terrorism globally," he said.

Zuma said the multilateral system should be strengthened to deal with such efforts.

The IAEA plays an important role in the efforts to strengthen nuclear security, thereby contributing to preventing nuclear terrorism, he said.
 

- SAPA