Better security curbing nuclear terrorism: UN body

"The amount of material which is better controlled is larger," Anita Birgitta Nilsson, nuclear safety and security director at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a weekend interview.

The Vienna-based body is helping countries prevent smuggling of uranium, plutonium or other items that could be used to make a nuclear device or a dirty bomb, which combines conventional explosives such as dynamite with radioactive material.

Its work to improve security includes training for border control, equipment and other support with an annual budget of at least 20 million euros ($27 million).

Asked whether she believed the world was becoming safer in this regard, Nilsson told Reuters: "I think that there is progress ... the fact that it's a positive development I think we have to recognize."

However "one cannot be complacent on the threat situation, that is very clear ... the effort is to tighten the system so that it is more difficult" for militants to obtain nuclear bomb components.

Analysts say radical groups could theoretically build a crude but deadly nuclear device if they have the money, technical know-how and required amount of fissile material.

They say groups such as Al-Qaeda have been trying to get the components for a nuclear bomb. Obtaining weapons-grade material is the biggest challenge and keeping it secure is vital.

At talks in Washington last April, the United States and 46 other countries agreed on a voluntary action plan to secure all vulnerable nuclear material over the next four years.

Since then, 2,500 kg (5,500 pounds) of highly radioactive spent atomic fuel - some of it potential bomb material - has been shipped under heavy security from Serbia to Russia; Kazinform cites Arab News.

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