Verification of nuclear non proliferation: New approaches

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:549190

Pellaud, B

The future of non-proliferation may well depend on progress in three aspects of nuclear arms reduction and control. First, the climate achieved in relations between the U.S. Russia in the reductions of their nuclear arsenals has brought about an end to the nuclear arms race. Secondly, a comprehensive ban on testing of nuclear explosives would be a good signal. It would discourage and potentially complicate the development of new nuclear weapons, especially for countries that might be tempted to cross the nuclear threshold. Thirdly, a ban on the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons would provide a cap on the basic ingredients required for nuclear weapons. Agency safeguards under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) need to be strengthened in their ability to detect undeclared inventories of nuclear materials and undeclared nuclear installations. A variety of measures are currently under consideration in the IAEA to accomplish this goal. The detection of undeclared activities in declared nuclear facilities will be through the analysis of smear samples from within declared nuclear facilities and environmental samples taken nearby. The Extension and Review Conference of the NPT, in April-May 1995, will mark the beginning of a new era in nuclear disarmament and in the strengthening of NPT safeguards.

• OSTI ID: 549190
• Report Number(s): CONF-950264--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

35 ARMS CONTROL
EXPLOSIVES
INVENTORIES
NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
SAFEGUARDS
VERIFICATION