SCO adopts declaration on nuclear safety partnership

BISHKEK -- The Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) adopted on Tuesday a declaration on enhancing multilateral partnership for nuclear safety and security.

In the declaration, the SCO member states confirmed that a country bears full responsibility for its nuclear security, and that the responsibility for nuclear safety lies with the operator of the nuclear facility and the state in which the facility is located.

Member states said they are deeply concerned about the illegal trafficking of nuclear materials and other radioactive substances, the threats to nuclear facilities and infrastructure (including computer security), and the risks of nuclear terrorism.

They, in the declaration, also strongly condemned any attacks on or threats of attacks against peaceful nuclear facilities, deeming such acts a violation of international law, and called for refraining from such actions, which pose a threat to international peace and security.

The members considered it necessary to take effective measures to prevent nuclear and radiological emergencies and ensure the physical security of nuclear materials and other radioactive materials, as well as related facilities, according to the document.

They also called for strengthening the domestic control mechanism for nuclear materials and other radioactive substances, boosting joint education, scientific research and technology projects, expanding cooperation and conducting exchanges on advanced practices and experiences in the field of safe operation of nuclear facilities.

The member states also agreed to conduct exercises and training among their respective competent authorities, strengthen early warning systems and, where necessary, share technical data, forecasting models and analytical information in real time, while ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.