Prior goals of Conference on Countering Financing of Nuclear Terrorism highlighted

Mohan Mathews, representative of Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has given a brief overview of the goals set by the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT).

He said that the main focus of the GICNT was on security of nuclear materials and other radioactive substances mainly.

Mr. Mathews touched upon the issue of preventing the provision of safe haven to terrorists and financial or economic resources to terrorists seeking to acquire or use nuclear and other radioactive materials and substances.

According to him, the Organization lacks the work regarding this issue as it was commonly decided at the last meeting of the GICNT in South Korea.

He pointed out the necessity of preventing the movement of funds. 'Thus preventing of nuclear terrorism it is not only about detection of nuclear materials and their movement, it is also about how we stop them raising funds to purchase nuclear materials. Very often it costs lots of money', M. Mathews said.

The end-goals of the conference highlighted by the Australian representative were to underline the importance of financial intelligence, tools and international standards to prevent illicit movement of funds. Besides, it is planned to raise awareness of domestic, legal, regulatory and operational frameworks needed to collect and share information.

One of the goals of the conference is also proving understanding of the importance of the effective domestic gateways for prompt international exchange of information and awareness of resources available to assist Partners.

At the end of his speech Mohan Mathews wished successful work at the conference to everybody.