Kazakhstan is a strong supporter of global nonproliferation process and nuclear threat reduction - N. Nazarbayev

20:44, 13 April 2010

WASHINGTON. April 13. KAZINFORM /Muratbek Makulbekov/ Kazakhstan, which experienced horrors of nuclear tests, closed the Semipalatinsk Test Site and voluntarily renounced the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal, is a strong supporter of global nonproliferation process and nuclear threat reduction in close cooperation with the IAEA. With this statement Resident of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has started his speech at the first session of the Global Summit on Nuclear Security taking place in Washington.

"Today Kazakhstan proposes the world community a number of vitally important measures. First of all, our country, as the largest uranium producer having opportunities of highly enriched uranium to low enriched form, intends to contribute to the development of peaceful nuclear energy. For this purpose Kazakhstan is ready to host the International Nuclear Fuel Bank.

Secondly, we consider it is necessary to adopt international legal standards for nuclear-free zones, including negative security guarantees to the member states. We advocate the formation of new nuclear-free zones, including the Middle East. Kazakhstan initiated the development of a regional action plan on strengthening nuclear safety, prevention of distribution of nuclear materials and combating nuclear terrorism within the framework of Central Asian area. It makes sense to extend this experience to other regions of the world.

Thirdly, we believe in the need for early adoption of the treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.

Fourthly, we welcome the decision of President Barack Obama to submit the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty for the Senate's approval ", N. Nazarbayev said.

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