Australia, U.S. Strengthen Nuclear Security Partnership
13 March 2006
Safeguarding radiological materials, emergency response key elements of new pact
The United States and Australia have agreed to cooperate on countering radiological threats and responding to emergencies, according to the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
In a March 10 statement, the NNSA said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia's Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) to increase and improve the security of radioactive source materials in Southeast Asia to prevent terrorists from obtaining material to fashion a radioactive or "dirty" bomb.
As part of the agreement, the two agencies will exchange information and technical expertise.
Principal Deputy Administrator Jerry Paul signed the memorandum for the United States, while ARPANSA's Chief Executive Officer John Loy signed for Australia. Paul called Australia "a key ally in the Southeast Asia region."
"Australia stands as a model for leaders in other regions to implement such multilateral, cooperative programs. We look forward to working even further with Australia to keep dirty bomb material out of terrorism's reach," said Paul.
Australia and the United States cooperate on many fronts in the global war against terror (See related fact sheet).
Additional information is available on the NNSA Web site.
For additional information on U.S. policy, see International Security.
The text of the National Nuclear Security Agency's statement follows:
(begin text)
National Nuclear Security Administration
U.S. Department of Energy
[Washington, D.C.]
For Immediate Release
March 10, 2006
NNSA Works With Australian Agency to Counter Radiological Threats
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) agreed to join forces to counter radiological threats -- such as a "dirty” bomb -- and respond to emergencies. NNSA's Principal Deputy Administrator Jerry Paul and ARPANSA's Chief Executive Officer Dr. John Loy signed a memorandum of understanding for the two agencies to work together.
"Australia is a key ally in the Southeast Asia region. We are already working together to reduce the threat posed by radiological material in the hands of terrorists, but this agreement solidifies that relationship and will allow us to cooperate even more," said Paul.
Today's memorandum of understanding builds upon current cooperation between the United States and Australia to enhance radioactive source security in Southeast Asia and prevent terrorists from obtaining material for a dirty bomb. NNSA and ARPANSA will work together, exchanging information and technical expertise, to secure radioactive material and respond to emergency situations.
"Australia stands as a model for leaders in other regions to implement such multilateral, cooperative programs. We look forward to working even further with Australia to keep dirty bomb material out of terrorism's reach," said Paul.
The agreement was facilitated through NNSA's Global Threat Reduction Initiative program. The program's mission is to identify, secure, recover and/or facilitate the final disposition of high-risk vulnerable nuclear and radiological materials around the world as quickly as possible.
Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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