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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


2005 United Nations News
2005 Global Special Weapons News

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December

November

October

September

August

July

June

  • In face of potential nuclear terrorism, States seek to strengthen UN-backed treaty UN News Centre 30 Jun 2005 -- Concerned by the potential for nuclear terrorism, more than 350 delegates from 80 States Parties to a United Nations-backed treaty on safeguarding nuclear material open a five-day conference in Vienna, Austria
  • U.S. Has Six Priorities for United Nations Reform, Official Says Washington File 24 Jun 2005 -- Effective U.N. reform is a very high priority for President Bush, a State Department official told members of a House appropriations subcommittee June 22.
  • United States Offers Proposals for U.N. Reform Washington File 23 Jun 2005 -- The United States began to set out its vision of United Nations reform June 22 by outlining its highest priorities before the General Assembly.
  • United States Seeks U.N. Reform in Seven Areas, U.S. Envoy Says Washington File 23 Jun 2005 -- Ambassador Anne W. Patterson, acting U.S. representative to the United Nations, addressed a closed session of the U.N. General Assembly June 22 and outlined U.S. proposals for reform of the United Nations.
  • US Presents UN Reform Plan to General Assembly VOA 23 Jun 2005 -- The United States has presented the U.N. General Assembly a seven-point plan for reforming the world body.
  • United States Prepared to Help Lead U.N. Reform Effort Washington File 20 Jun 2005 -- The United States is ready to help lead the effort to strengthen and reform the United Nations as it prepares to engage in one of the most important debates in its history, according to a U.S. State Department announcement issued June 17.
  • Defying White House, Lawmakers Approve UN Reform Legislation VOA 17 Jun 2005 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation by a vote of 221 to 184 proposing wide-ranging reforms of the United Nations. The bill, which was opposed in its current form by the Bush administration, calls for mandatory reductions of up to 50-percent in U.S. contributions to the United Nations.
  • U.S. House Approves United Nations Reform Legislation Washington File 17 Jun 2005 -- The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation June 17 that calls for sweeping reforms at the United Nations, including an automatic 50 percent reduction in U.S. dues if a majority of 39 specific reforms are not implemented.
  • White House Pleased with Progress on Nonproliferation Proposals Washington File 17 Jun 2005 -- Following is a June 17 statement from the White House on the Bush administration's nonproliferation proposals and the International Atomic Energy Agency's creation of a Committee on Safeguards and Verification
  • U.S. Welcomes New International Atomic Energy Agency Committee Washington File 17 Jun 2005 -- Following is a brief statement from the U.S. State Department June 17 on the International Atomic Energy Agency's creation of a Committee on Safeguards and Verification
  • US House Debates UN Reform Bill VOA 16 Jun 2005 -- The United Nations is coming under sharp criticism in the U.S. Congress where debate is under way on legislation proposing sweeping UN reforms.
  • US to Support Adding U.N. Security Council Members VOA 16 Jun 2005 -- The Bush administration says it supports the addition of "two or so" new permanent members to the U.N. Security Council - one of them Japan - while adding two or three non-permanent members. It said a broader expansion could dilute the effectiveness of the council.
  • United Nations Needs Budget, Management Reform, State's Burns Says Washington File 16 Jun 2005 -- Though the United States supports an expanded U.N. Security Council with "two or so" new permanent members, that is a small part of its much bigger agenda to reform the entire United Nations system, a senior State Department official says.
  • UN: Panel Says U.S. Must Lead Reform Of Troubled Body RFE/RL 16 Jun 2005 -- A report commissioned by the U.S. Congress is urging Washington to lead reform efforts at the United Nations to revive the organization's effectiveness and credibility.
  • Special Commission Urges Broad UN Reforms VOA 15 Jun 2005 -- A special task force created by Congress is recommending wide-ranging reforms at the United Nations. The 14-member commission says urgent changes are needed in U.N. internal management and other areas. The changes are recommended in a report released a day before the U.S. House of Representatives considers legislation proposing to link U.S. contributions to the United Nations to reform.
  • Kharrazi: NAM should oppose limiting nuclear technology for members IRNA 14 Jun 2005 -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi called here Monday for Non-Aligned Movement's (NAM) opposition to efforts aimed at setting arbitrary and biased limitation on the right of member states to acquire peaceful nuclear technology.
  • Iran's FM underlines adoption of UN reforms IRNA 14 Jun 2005 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi Monday in Doha underlined the need for adoption of reforms in the United Nations.
  • ElBaradei To Remain Head of International Atomic Energy Agency Washington File 14 Jun 2005 -- The 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), meeting in Vienna, Austria, June 13, re-appointed Mohamed ElBaradei to a third, four-year term as the agency's director-general.
  • IAEA Chief Re-appointed to Third Term VOA 13 Jun 2005 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors has re-appointed Mohamed ElBaradei as Director General of the agency for another four-year term. The IAEA board continues its closed door session this week to look at the Iranian and North Korean nuclear files.
  • El-Baradei Set For Third Term As IAEA Chief RFE/RL 13 Jun 2005 -- Muhammad el-Baradei, the head of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), looks certain to be approved for a third four-year term this week. The announcement is expected to come sometime during the weeklong meeting of the agency's board of governors that began in Vienna today.
  • IAEA board re-appoints ElBaradei to third term as Director-General UN News Centre 13 Jun 2005 -- The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today re-appointed Mohamed ElBaradei as Director-General of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency for another four year term.
  • U.S.: El-Baradei Receives U.S. Backing For A Third Term RFE/RL 10 Jun 2005 -- The U.S. government has changed course and says it is prepared to support the chief of the UN's nuclear agency, Mohammad el-Baradei, for a third term in an upcoming election.
  • United States Now Supports Re-election of IAEA Director Washington File 09 Jun 2005 -- The Bush administration has indicated that it will join in consensus with other nations if they endorse the re-election of Mohamed ElBaradei as head of the United Nation's nuclear watchdog group, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
  • US Will Support Third Term for IAEA Chief ElBaradei VOA 09 Jun 2005 -- The Bush administration says it will support another term for International Atomic Energy Agency Director Mohamed ElBaradei despite past policy differences. Confirmation of the decision followed a meeting Thursday between Mr. ElBaradei and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
  • Congressional Report, June 9 Washington File 09 Jun 2005 --SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT DETAINEE HEARING / HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL CALLING FOR U.N. REFORM
  • U.N. Security Council Candidates Drop Demand For Veto Power VOA 08 Jun 2005 -- Four countries campaigning for permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council have dropped their demand for veto power.
  • Congressional Committee Approves Tough UN Reform Legislation VOA 08 Jun 2005 -- A key congressional committee has approved legislation proposing to link U.S. contributions to the United Nations to measurable standards of reform in the world body.
  • Rice to Discuss New Term for IAEA Chief ElBaradei VOA 08 Jun 2005 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets today (Thursday) with International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei following news reports the Bush administration is dropping its opposition to a third term for the IAEA chief. Ms. Rice discussed Mr. ElBaradei's future and related issues, including Iran's nuclear program, Wednesday with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer.
  • China Lashes Out at G-4 Proposal to Include Japan in UN Security Council Expansion VOA 07 Jun 2005 -- China has stepped up its criticism of a proposal by Japan, India, Brazil and Germany to become permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.
  • UN Assembly Proposes Reforms, But Leaves Large Gaps VOA 05 Jun 2005 -- The president of the U.N. General Assembly has circulated the first draft of a plan for remaking and strengthening the world body. The document is intended as the basis for a debate leading up to a September summit at which world leaders will be asked to approve a wide-ranging package of reforms.
  • Sweddish Ambassador Supports The U.N. Security Council Expansion VOA 04 Jun 2005 -- Eliasson, Swedish Ambassador to the United States and the only candidate running for president of the United Nations General Assembly, says the U.N. is in need of serious reform. He urged the international community to push forward with widespread reform of the global body.
  • China Calls Plan to Expand U.N. Security Council "Dangerous" VOA 03 Jun 2005 -- China - a veto-wielding member of The U.N. Security Council - has voiced firm opposition to a plan to add more permanent members to the Council.

May

April

  • PRESS BRIEFING ON NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY United Nations 29 Apr 2005
  • Review conference at UN chance to restore confidence in non-proliferation treaty, officials say UN News Centre 29 Apr 2005 -- With the 2005 review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) set to kick off Monday at United Nations Headquarters in New York, senior officials today stressed the importance of restoring confidence in the landmark accord, some 35 years after it came into force.
  • Experts Worried About US Strategy at Nonproliferation Conference VOA 28 Apr 2005 -- Experts have told Congress the United States must be prepared to take a strong, leading role at the upcoming (May 2-27) conference to review the 35-year-old Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, warning serious damage to nonproliferation efforts could result if the conference does not end with a consensus.
  • Annan Calls for Early Agreement on UN Reforms VOA 28 Apr 2005 -- U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for an early consensus on wide-ranging reforms proposed for the world body. Ending a four-day trip to India, Mr. Annan also said U.N. members generally agree that the next head of the world body should be from Asia.
  • NPT Review Conference Faces Many Challenges VOA 28 Apr 2005 -- Delegates to the Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference (held in New York from May 2nd to 27th) are expected to discuss a variety of issues dealing with controlling the spread of nuclear weapons.
  • IAEA Postpones Decision on ElBaradei VOA 27 Apr 2005 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency held a special closed door session to decide whether to give its current chief, Mohamed ElBaradei, another term as director general.
  • UN SECURITY COUNCIL ON MASS-DESTRUCTION WEAPONS PROLIFERATION RIA Novosti 26 Apr 2005 -- The UN Security Council said April 25 that it was seriously concerned because mass-destruction weapons and their delivery vehicles could fall into the hands of the so-called non-state entities, terrorists, first and foremost.
  • 'Decision time' has come for overhauling UN, Annan argues UN News Centre 25 Apr 2005 -- The United Nations must undertake the most sweeping overhaul in its 60-year history to strengthen collective security, lay down a truly global strategy for development, promote human rights and democracy, and ensure that all of these commitments are translated into action, Secretary-General Kofi Annan argues in the current issue of Foreign Affairs.
  • U.S. Wants United Nations as Stronger Force for Freedom Washington File 20 Apr 2005 -- The "tipping point" where change not only is possible but necessary for the United Nations is today a widespread realization, says the State Department chief of international organization affairs.
  • UN / VIRUS VOA 15 Apr 2005 -- The World Health Organization says health experts have destroyed two-thirds of the specimens of a killer influenza virus that were inadvertently sent by U.S.-based medical organizations to laboratories in the United States and many other countries. But it says it is investigating the whereabouts of two missing shipments that were supposed to have gone to Lebanon and Mexico.
  • Destruction of Asian Flu Virus Nearly Done, United Nations Says Washington File 15 Apr 2005 -- World Health Organization (WHO) officials reported April 15 that they anticipate laboratories in 16 countries would complete the destruction of potentially lethal Asian flu virus samples sent around the world in a testing proficiency exercise.
  • UN GA TO CONSIDER RUSSIAN DRAFT CONVENTION ON NUCLEAR TERRORISM PREVENTION RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2005 -- The United Nations General Assembly will approve a Russian draft convention on the prevention of nuclear terrorism as it gathers in New York this next fall, MP Konstantin Kosachev says.
  • UN ADOPTS ANTI- TERRORISM CONVENTION ON RUSSIAN INITIATIVE RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2005 -- The convention against nuclear terrorism, adopted at Russia's initiative by the UN General Assembly, is an important element of the global strategy of opposing the new challenges and threats, Russian first deputy foreign minister Yuri Fedetov told RIA Novosti in the interview.
  • World: Global Rush Under Way To Destroy Lethal Flu Virus RFE/RL 14 Apr 2005 -- Thousands of laboratories across the world are scrambling to destroy samples of a flu virus that killed up to 4 million people in the 1950s. A U.S.-based private organization sent out samples of the H2N2 virus to more than 4,000 laboratories beginning last autumn. Experts say the danger is minimal that the virus may be released into the general population, but recommend quick measures to contain the risk.
  • WHO/DEADLY VIRUS VOA 13 Apr 2005 -- The World Health Organization says thousands of laboratories around the world have been told to destroy samples of a deadly flu strain that was inadvertently sent to them as part of a routine testing procedure. The agency says the virus could set off a pandemic, if it escaped the laboratories.
  • UN/NUCLEAR TERRORISM VOA 13 Apr 2005 -- The United Nations has approved a treaty aimed at preventing nuclear terrorism. Passage of the measure ends seven years of negotiations.
  • General Assembly adopts treaty on nuclear terrorism; Annan hails it as 'vital step' UN News Centre 13 Apr 2005 -- The United Nations General Assembly today adopted by consensus an international treaty against nuclear terrorism which Secretary-General Kofi Annan hailed as "a vital step forward" in multilateral efforts to prevent terrorists from gaining access to "the most lethal weapons known to humanity."
  • U.N. General Assembly Adopts Nuclear Terrorism Treaty Wasghington File 13 Apr 2005 -- The General Assembly April 13 adopted by consensus the text of the International Treaty for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which makes it a crime for terrorists to possess or threaten to use nuclear weapons.
  • CONVENTION ON FIGHTING NUCLEAR TERROR TO BE A MIGHTY WEAPON OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY RIA Novosti 13 Apr 2005 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hopes that all the countries will join the convention of fighting nuclear terror. RIA Novosti cites him as saying this in Moscow on Wednesday.
  • UN/Security Council Reform VOA 12 Apr 2005 -- Plans for reforming the U.N. Security Council have touched off a furious debate in world capitals, and inflamed long-simmering regional rivalries. Battle lines are forming, as countries lobbying for permanent Council seats push for prompt action.
  • PRESS BRIEFING BY ?IN LARGER FREEDOM’ SPECIAL ENVOYS United Nations 06 Apr 2005
  • UN/Reform VOA 06 Apr 2005 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan is dispatching four prominent envoys to world capitals to promote a wide-ranging U.N. reform package.
  • Seeking momentum for Annan's reform package, UN introduces two new envoys UN News Centre 06 Apr 2005 -- As a sign of United Nations resolve to propel forward Secretary-General Kofi Annan's package of reforms before a summit meeting in September, two of the envoys he has appointed to take the message to world leaders vowed today to use the "unique moment" to help enact the "bold but achievable" agenda.
  • U.S. Official Outlines Future for IAEA Nuclear Security Program Washington File 06 Apr 2005 -- Nations must improve the quality and scope of security for nuclear materials if nuclear terrorism is to be prevented, a U.S. State Department official believes.
  • UN REFORM: VOLCKER REPORT DELIVERS BLOW TO 'USELESS TALKING-SHOP' US Dept. of State IIP, Foreign Media Reaction 04 Apr 2005

March

  • UN committee adopts draft treaty against nuclear terrorism UN News Centree 01 Apr 2005 -- After seven years of negotiations, a United Nations committee today adopted a draft international treaty to fight nuclear terrorism, with Secretary-General Kofi Annan calling on all states to sign on to pre-empt what he called "one of the most urgent threats of our time" that with one attack could change the world forever.
  • BIO WEAPONS TREATY VOA 26 Mar 2005 -- An international convention prohibiting the production and stockpiling of biological and toxin weapons came into force 30 years ago (Saturday). But with recent advances in bio-technology, experts say, it needs to be updated and strengthened in order to remain relevant.
  • CHEMICAL WEAPONS TREATY VOA 26 Mar 2005 -- An international convention prohibiting the production and stockpiling of biological and toxin weapons came into force 30 years ago (Saturday). But with recent advances in bio-technology, experts say, it needs to be updated and strengthened in order to remain relevant.
  • WITH AMERICAN SUPPORT, A 'CHANCE FOR UN REFORM' US Dept. of State IIP, Foreign Media Reaction 24 Mar 2005
  • Annan urges Arabs to support UN reform package, including end to terrorism UN News Centre 23 Mar 2005 -- Appealing for Arab support for his comprehensive package of United Nations reforms, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on an Arab League summit to take the lead in outlawing terrorism, above all in the occupied Palestinian territory, however genuine the grievances are over Israeli settlements and land confiscation.
  • El-Baradei: Terror Networks Could Steal Atomic Material RFE/RL 22 Mar 2005 -- The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Muhammad el-Baradei, says world leaders face a race against time to keep radioactive materials away from terrorists.
  • UN/REFORM VOA 21 Mar 2005 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan has issued a challenge to world leaders to approve a massive overhaul of the United Nations this year. Mr. Annan presented member states with a reform package that would sharply increase the world body's authority.
  • With call for action, not more words, Annan outlines plan for radical UN reform UN News Centre 21 Mar 2005 -- Calling for action, not more words, to fulfil pledges already made, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today laid before the General Assembly his plan for United Nations reform, ranging from greater investment in developing countries to steps to fight catastrophic terrorism and collective action against genocide and ethnic cleansing.
  • Secretary-General to lobby world leaders for UN reform package over next 6 months UN News Centre 21 Mar 2005 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan is planning a full-court lobbying campaign, including plenty of personal telephone diplomacy, in a race against time to secure a large measure of support for his package of United Nations reforms by the time world leaders meet at the UN's New York Headquarters for a September summit.
  • Illicit Spread of Nuclear Weapons Threat to All, Official Says Washington File 21 Mar 2005 -- The illicit, rapid spread of nuclear weapons and related technology constitutes a threat to international peace and security, and nations committed to stopping the spread of this threat must work to strengthen the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a State Department official says.
  • UN/ANNAN/REFORM VOA 21 Mar 2005 -- Secretary General Kofi Annan has unveiled a sweeping plan to reform the United Nations and sharply increase its authority in world affairs. From U.N. headquarters, The proposal is being offered as a starting point for an international debate that will culminate with a summit of heads of state and government in September.
  • UN: Annan Reforms Would Revamp UN Security, Rights Structures RFE/RL 21 Mar 2005 -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has outlined a series of sweeping changes to improve the organization's ability to cope with security, development, and human rights challenges. Annan's reform plan proposes an expansion of the UN Security Council, a replacement of the maligned Human Rights Commission, and a stronger commitment by wealthy countries for development aid. His proposals would amount to the biggest shakeup in UN structures since its founding 60 years ago. They come at a time when the organization has been rocked by a series of scandals.
  • TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN United Nations 21 Mar 2005
  • PRESS BRIEFING ON SECRETARY-GENERAL’S REPORT ?IN LARGER FREEDOM’ United Nations 20 Mar 2005
  • Nuclear cycle solution must not be Iran specific, says ElBaradei IRNA 18 Mar 2005 -- Iran must not be singled out in any resolution of the dilemma over the right of countries to enrich uranium under the Non-Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT), according to the head of the world's nuclear watchdog.
  • Nuclear terrorism, still urgent risk: ElBaradei IRNA 17 Mar 2005 -- Head of the UN atomic watchdog agency said on Wednesday that while much progress has been made through international cooperation over the past three years to combat the risks of nuclear terrorism, vulnerabilities still exist and the issue has lost neither its relevance nor urgency.
  • Nuclear security conference opens in London IRNA 16 Mar 2005 -- An international conference on nuclear security opened in London Wednesday to foster a better understanding and awareness of "future threats involving the malicious use of nuclear or other radioactive materials."
  • IAEA INSISTS ON BOLSTERING NUCLEAR SECURITY RIA Novosti 16 Mar 2005 -- The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohammed el-Baradei, does not think that nuclear weapons are likely to end up in the hands of terrorists.
  • LONDON HOSTS IAEA CONFERENCE ON NUCLEAR SECURITY RIA Novosti 16 Mar 2005 -- A three-day international conference on nuclear security, Global Directions for the Future, is opening in London on Wednesday.
  • Nuclear terrorism is still urgent risk, says UN atomic watchdog chief UN News Centre 16 Mar 2005 -- While much progress has been made through international cooperation over the past three years to combat the risks of nuclear terrorism, vulnerabilities still exist and the issue has lost neither its relevance nor urgency, the head of the United Nations atomic watchdog agency said today.
  • CONGRESS/U.N. REFORM VOA 15 Mar 2005 -- Former U.S. ambassadors to the United Nations have told Congress U.N. reform should be on top of the U.S. agenda in coming years.
  • Nuclear proliferation threatens not just some states but all, Annan says on treaty's 35th anniversary UN News Centre 04 Mar 2005 -- It is imperative to recognize that nuclear proliferation threatens not just some states but all, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today in a statement marking on the 35th anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

February

January



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