Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/24/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=UN/NON-PROLIFERATION (L-O)

NUMBER=2-314456

BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United States has introduced a draft U-N Security Council resolution aimed at halting the spread of weapons of mass destruction to terrorists. From U-N headquarters, Peter Heinlein reports the resolution attempts to close a loophole in current non-proliferation treaties, which affect only nations.

TEXT: The draft placed on the Council table calls on all nations to criminalize the proliferation of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and their delivery to terrorists.

President Bush first suggested such a resolution last September in his speech to the U-N General Assembly. He said it was needed to close loopholes in existing non-proliferation regimes, which target states but overlook individuals or entities not acting under the authority of any state.

Its introduction has been held up for months while diplomats argued over details, including concerns by some members that it would conflict with -- and possibly supersede -- existing non-proliferation treaties.

But U-S Ambassador John Negroponte said he believes those concerns have been addressed.

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There is explicit language in the draft making clear that this resolution is not meant to supersede, undercut or undermine existing disarmament and non-proliferation regimes.

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Britain's U-N ambassador, Emyr Jones-Parry, hailed the draft document and said his country would be a co-sponsor. He said it is important because it fills a gap not addressed by other arms accords.

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There are lots of obligations on states. What there aren't, are obligations targeted at the terrorists. What we have to do is stop the ultimate nightmare, the bringing together of weapons of mass destruction and the terrorists.

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Several countries, including Security Council member Pakistan, have voiced objections to the draft resolution. Among other things, they say the five permanent Council members -- Britain, France, Russia, the United States and China -- would be exempt from the measure.

The draft carries no penalties for non-compliance. The Council would, however, set up a committee to monitor implementation. (SIGNED)

NEB/NYC/pfh/PT/KL