A+ A-

UN warns of new threats to non-proliferation of WMD

NEW YORK, June 28 (KUNA) -- A senior UN official warned on Wednesday of new threats to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction encouraging the Security Council to be proactive to ensure disarmament commitments.
The High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamistu took part on Wednesday at the open debate held by the Security Council on the global efforts to prevent the proliferation of WMD by non-state actors.
She affirmed that the possibility of non-state actors, including terrorists, acquiring WMD remains a significant threat to global security, and the international community must step up its efforts to ensure that the disastrous scenario of WMD terrorism is avoided.
Although substantial progress has been made by member states in their efforts to minimize proliferation risks, however, she said new and even more complicated threats in this area is increasing.
She called the international to closely examine the emerging nexus between rapidly advancing technologies and WMDs in the globalized and connected world, and identify actions to grapple with its impact on non-proliferation.
The UN official stressed on the importance of international cooperation, and the need for "continuous and enhanced" dialogue with industry.
Nakamitsu said that recent terrorist attacks have revealed shortcomings in interactions among security agencies, even in countries whose policies are otherwise deeply integrated. "Coordination and information-sharing will be vital to overcoming these shortcomings," she added.
The UN senior official strongly encouraged the council to use today's debate to be "proactive and devise" effective solutions to ensure full and universal implementation of member states' disarmament and non-proliferation commitments. (end) mao.ibi