Key elements in new UN resolution committing nations to work for nuclear-free world

Key elements in UN nuclear resolution

Key elements in the resolution adopted unanimously Thursday by the U.N. Security Council:

NUCLEAR-FREE

Resolved “to create the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons.”

COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN TREATY

Urged all states to ratify the treaty, which outlaws all nuclear tests everywhere. Lack of ratification by a handful of nations, including the U.S., has kept the treaty from entering into force.

FISSILE MATERIAL CUTOFF TREATY

Called for negotiation of a treaty that would ban production of fissile material used for nuclear weapons.

STRENGTHENING NONPROLIFERATION TREATY

Emphasized the Security Council would deal with cases of violation of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), the 1968 accord seeking to limit nuclear weapons possession to five original powers (United States, Russia, Britain, France, China). Expressed concern over current “major challenges” to the NPT, meaning North Korean and Iranian nuclear programs. Called on all states to accede to the NPT.

DISARMAMENT

Called for negotiations on an eventual treaty for complete nuclear disarmament, as envisioned by the NPT.

FUEL CYCLE

Encouraged the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency on establishing a nuclear fuel bank under international auspices, to keep potential bomb material from slipping into more hands.

NUCLEAR TERRORISM

Expressed “grave concern” about the threat of nuclear terrorism. Urged governments to improve their policing of potential trafficking in nuclear materials, to keep them out of the hands of “non-state actors,” and to impose stricter controls on legal nuclear exports.

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Urged states to better cooperate with inspectors of the IAEA, including adoption of an “additional protocol,” expanding the IAEA’s ability to inspect a country’s nuclear activities.