Italy, Turkey ratify nuclear security amendment

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Director General Yukiya Amano welcomed ratifications of the amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) by Italy and Turkey on Wednesday.

With both countries ratifying the amendment, the number of countries needed to ratify the amendment is 15.

“The amendment to the CPPNM is the most important area of unfinished business in global nuclear security,” Amano said. “Today’s ratification of the amendment by Italy and Turkey brings this vital tool a step closer to coming into force.”
  
The amendment broadens the scope of the CPPNM in order to be able to protect nuclear facilities and nuclear material in cases of peaceful use, storage and transport on domestic levels. At the moment the CPPNM protects nuclear material in international cases.
   
Currently there 151 state parties to the CPPNM, two-thirds of that number must adhere to the amendment before it can take full effect. The U.S. has not completed the ratification process. In June, legislation in the U.S. to implement the amendment was passed, but no instrument of ratification has been submitted to IAEA. The amendment was originally introduced in 2005.

“I encourage all countries to help strengthen nuclear security by adhering to this important amendment,” Amano said. “A 10-year delay is too long. Bringing this vital instrument into force is finally within our grasp.”