Cabinet approves ratifying Convention on Nuclear terrorism

New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today gave approval for signing and ratifying the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on April 13, 2005.

The Convention has been opened for signature at UN Headquarters in New York from September 14 and will remain up to December 31, 2006.

The Nuclear Terrorism Convention is the first anti-terorrism convention adopted since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters here.

He said the Nuclear Terrorism Convention will strengthen the international legal framework to combat terrorism. It would provide the legal basis for international cooperation in the investigation, prosecution and extradition of those who commit terrorist acts involving radioactive material or a nuclear device.

India is already a party to the 12 international terrorism conventions and protocols. By signing and ratifying this Convention, India will strengthen its credentials as a responsible partner in the fight against terrorism, he said.

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