Nuclear terror threat 'constantly evolving': world leaders

Washington, Apr 2: World leaders reaffirmed their commitment to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of extremists but warned that the threat is "constantly evolving."

"More work remains to be done to prevent non-state actors from obtaining nuclear and other radioactive materials, which could be used for malicious purposes," the leaders said, in a joint statement yesterday at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington.

US President Barack Obama invited dozens of world leaders to Washington for the summit, where they discussed action plans to secure nuclear fuel stockpiles and radioactive material that could be used in a nuclear device or a dirty bomb.

"We reaffirm our commitment to our shared goals of nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy," the statement said.

"We commit to fostering a peaceful and stable international environment by reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism and strengthening nuclear security.

"Sustaining security improvements requires constant vigilance at all levels, and we pledge that our countries will continue to make nuclear security an enduring priority." Annexed to the statement were five "action plans" designed to improve the coordination of member states with world bodies such at the International Atomic Energy Agency and the police agency Interpol.

AFP