The Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism has been signed on behalf of Ireland by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern. It was adopted by consensus last April by the UN General Assembly and opened for signature last Wednesday.
"This important convention provides for a definition of acts of nuclear terrorism and covers a broad range of possible targets, including nuclear power plants and nuclear reactors," the Minister said. "Under its provisions the alleged offenders must be either extradited or prosecuted
"The convention also encourages states to co-operate in preventing terrorist attacks by sharing information and assisting each other with criminal investigations and extradition proceedings.
"The convention will play a crucial role in preventing terrorists from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction, the use of which could lead to catastrophic consequences. It will, therefore, contribute to strengthening the international legal framework for the suppression and combating of terrorism, as well as promoting the rule of law in general, and become a valuable addition to the existing universal anti-terrorism conventions."