The Sunflower is a monthly e-newsletter providing educational information on nuclear weapons abolition and other issues relating to global security.

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• Perspectives
  • Sunflower Peace Day
  • The Role of the United States in Nuclear Disarmament

• Take Action
  • Lobbying Congress: WE NEED YOU!
  • Low-Level Nuclear Waste Deregulation Part II
  • Support a Congressional Amendment to Stop Funding for Nuclear "Bunker-Busters" and Other Advanced Nuclear Weapons

• Nuclear Terrorism
  • Democratic Presidential Candidate Offers Counter-Proliferation Plan
  • Security at US Nuclear Sites Insufficient in Meeting Terrorist Threats
  • Europe Participates in "Black Hawk Down" Exercise
  • Aircraft Crash into UK Nuclear Plants "Could Kill Millions"

• Proliferation
  • Iran Investigations Continue
  • North Korea a Player in the Nuclear Black Market Club
  • North Korea and US Relentless in Deadlock
  • UK Expanding Role in US Nuclear Plan

• Nuclear Insanity
  • Lovelock Advocates Nuclear Power as Solution to Climate Change

• Foundation News
  • International Law Symposium on Charting a New Course for US Nuclear Policy
  • Foundation Outreach

• Resources
  • Mini Nukes on Primetime ABC
  • Battle Ready by Tom Clancy, Anthony Zinni, and Tony Koltz
  • Securing the Bomb: An Agenda for Action
  • The Proliferation Security Initiative: Dead in the Water or Steaming Ahead?

• Support
• Support the Foundation's National Campaign to Chart a New Course for US Nuclear Policy

• Quotable
  • Camilo Mejia, conscientious objector sentenced to prison for his stance against the Iraq War
  • Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Presidential Candidate
  • Former US Vice President Al Gore
  • Representative Ellen Tauscher (D-CA)
  • Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), German philosopher, classical scholar, critic of culture
  • Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International

• Editorial Team
  • Luke Brothers
  • David Krieger
  • Carah Ong
  • Justine Wang

Sunflower Peace Day | Top
by David Krieger

June 4th is the eighth anniversary of Sunflower Peace Day. It marks the day in 1996 when the Defense Ministers of Ukraine, Russia and the United States came together at a former missile base in Ukraine to celebrate Ukraine becoming a non-nuclear weapons state. Ukraine had inherited some 1,900 strategic nuclear warheads when the former Soviet Union split apart. Through an agreement with Russia and the US , Ukraine turned over all of these nuclear weapons to Russia for dismantlement, and the last weapons were transferred to Russia on June 1, 1996 .

When the Defense Ministers gathered at the Pervomaisk military base, which once housed 80 underground silos for SS-19 missiles aimed at the United States , they held a very unusual ceremony involving the scattering of sunflower seeds and the planting of sunflowers. On this occasion, US Defense Secretary William Perry said, "Sunflowers instead of missiles in the soil will ensure peace for future generations."

It was a moment of exhilaration, celebrating the complete nuclear disarmament of what was then the world's third largest nuclear weapons state. Hope was in the air. If Ukraine could make this commitment to zero nuclear weapons and carry it out, why not the other nuclear weapons states? Wouldn't "sunflowers instead of missiles in the soil" make as much sense for the US and Russia as for Ukraine ?

When Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons, Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma called upon other nations to follow in Ukraine 's footsteps and "to do everything to wipe nuclear weapons from the face of the Earth as soon as possible." Although this is excellent advice, it seems to have fallen on deaf ears in the US , Russia and the other nuclear weapons states.

The sunflower is a symbol of hope and life. It is natural, bright and beautiful. It is even nutritious and useful. Sunflowers stand in stark contrast to manmade nuclear-tipped missiles, the most horrendous instruments of mass murder yet devised by man.

On June 4 th , Sunflower Peace Day, people everywhere should take stock of the reversal of progress on nuclear disarmament in recent years and recognize the danger this creates for the world. The more nuclear weapons that exist in the world, the more likely it is that they will be used and the more likely that terrorists, who cannot be deterred from using them, will obtain one or more.

On Sunflower Peace Day, make a commitment to increase your efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. Here are three things you can do that will make a difference:

• Order packets of sunflower "Seeds of Peace" from the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and send them to elected officials in nuclear weapons states with a personal note calling for nuclear disarmament and the cessation of research and development of dangerous new nuclear weapons. Visit our Peace Store at http://www.wagingpeace.org/menu/store/other/seeds-of-peace.htm
  
• Visit the Foundation's web site at www.wagingpeace.org and learn more about nuclear dangers and what actions you can take to change dangerous nuclear policies.
  
• Share this article with five friends, or with your entire email list.

The Role of the United States in Nuclear Disarmament | Top
by Senator Douglas Roche, O.C.

The following is excerpted from a speech by Senator Roche at a recent Foundation Symposium on Charting a New Course for US Nuclear Policy.

It is clear to me that the Non-Proliferation Treaty, that is to say the cornerstone of the non-proliferation regime, is in crisis. To examine how the crisis came about and what to do about it, we must look at the role of the U.S. While the other declared Nuclear Weapons States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China are all also in contravention of their responsibilities to the NPT, it is the U.S. that sets the pace. The U.S. is the leading military power in the world by far, the lynchpin of NATO, and the dominant voice at the United Nations. With 31 members, the U.S. delegation was the largest at the recent NPT PrepCom. U.S. views deeply affect the policies of all Western nations and Russia .

The U.S. astounded many delegations at the PrepCom by disowning its own participation in the 2000 consensus that produced the "unequivocal undertaking." It refused to allow the 2000 Review to be used as a reference point for the 2005 Review. The result was turmoil and a collapse of the PrepCom.

The Treaty can certainly survive one bad meeting, but that is not the point. What delegates from around the world are deeply concerned about is the U.S. attempt to change the rules of the game. At least before, there was a recognition that the NPT was obtained in 1970 through a bargain, with the Nuclear Weapons States agreeing to negotiate the elimination of their nuclear weapons in return for the non-nuclear states shunning the acquisition of nuclear weapons. Adherence to that bargain enabled the indefinite extension of the Treaty in 1995 and the 13 Practical Steps of 2000. Now the U.S. is rejecting the commitments of 2000 and premising its aggressive diplomacy on the assertion that the problem of the NPT lies not in the actions of the Nuclear Weapons States but in the lack of compliance by states such as North Korea and Iran .

The whole international community, nuclear and non-nuclear alike, is concerned about proliferation, but the new attempt by the Nuclear Weapon States to gloss over the discriminatory aspects of the NPT, which are now becoming permanent, has caused the patience of the members of the Non-Aligned Movement to snap. They see a two-class world of nuclear haves and have-nots becoming a permanent feature of the global landscape. In such chaos, the NPT is eroding and the prospect of multiple nuclear weapons states, a fear that caused nations to produce the NPT in the first place, is looming once more.

Lobbying Congress: We Need You! | Top

From time to time, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation lobbies members of Congress on US nuclear policy issues. Despite the fact that nuclear weapons threaten the existence of civilization and most life on earth, they continue to play a central role in US security policy.

In the defense budget for 2005, there are requests to increase funding for research and development of new nuclear weapons, to shorten the time needed to resume full-scale nuclear testing and to build a new bomb manufacturing facility. By implementing and giving funding to these policies, the US is endangering itself and the world by making the use of nuclear weapons more likely.

Low-Level Nuclear Waste Deregulation Part II | Top

As reported in The Sunflower , issue number 83, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a deregulation of nuclear wastes. Additionally, along with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the EPA is proposing a reclassification of what constitutes radioactive waste in order to dispose of the nuclear waste which has been accumulating in weapons laboratories and commercial energy reactors . Such a reclassification would give the nuclear industry the chance to dump low-level radioactive materials in facilities without hazardous or radioactive waste permits such as standard garbage dumps, landfills, incinerators, and commercial recycling centers.

Now is the time to act:

• Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) invites you to take action and sign her petition that argues against the reclassification of high-level nuclear waste. Sign the petition at: http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/nuclearwaste_petition.html
  
• Send a letter to EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt encouraging him to withdraw EPA's proposed action: Administrator Mike Leavitt, US Environmental Protection Agency, 1101A, Ariel Rios Building , 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington , DC 20460 e-mail: leavitt.michael@epa.gov

The President has requested the highest budget for nuclear weapons activities since the all-time record set under President Reagan during the Cold War. At a time of war and record deficits, Congress needs your support to cut the nuclear weapons budget and curb the pursuit of new nuclear weapons programs. These programs send a clear "do as I say, not as I do" message to the rest of the world and threaten to undermine the nation's attempts to stem the world's appetite for weapons of mass destruction.

In early June, the US Senate will be voting on key nuclear weapons programs when it takes up an amendment sponsored by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) to cut $27.5 million in funding for research into a new nuclear "bunker buster" and $9 million for other advanced nuclear weapons concepts. Call, write, fax and email your Senators and ask them to support the Feinstein/Kennedy amendment and oppose funding for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (or "bunker-buster") and the "Advanced Concepts Initiative," which would give US nuclear weapons labs money to design "mini nukes" and other new concepts.

• Call your Senators and Representatives at 202-224-3121 (Congressional switchboard)
  
• Write your Senators and Representatives using email at:
  http://www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html

Iran Investigations Continue | Top

On 21 May 2004 , Iran submitted a 1000-page dossier on its nuclear activities to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Although Iran 's Ambassador to the IAEA, Pirooz Hosseini, assured that the declaration was full and truthful, the previous dossier submitted by Iran in October 2003 omitted details about potential weapons-related research, including designs and components for advanced centrifuges capable of producing weapons-grade uranium.

IAEA Director General Mohammed ElBaradei said that the IAEA hopes to finish the investigations by the end of 2004, but warned that "[the IAEA] did not see the kind of cooperation we would like to see from Iran ." Iran's President, Mohammad Khatami, acknowledged that Iran would not achieve its goal of having its nuclear file closed in June but maintained that IAEA inspectors had access to all nuclear installations found at military sites.

To date, IAEA inspectors have reported two concentrations of particles of highly enriched uranium: at the Kalaye electric workshop in Tehran and at the Natanz pilot fuel enrichment plant. ElBaradei stressed, however, that the investigations have not concluded and such discoveries do not automatically mean Iran is involved in the manufacturing of nuclear weapons.

Russia and Iran Reaffirm Ties

Despite US opposition, Russia is reaffirming ties with Iran . On a visit to Iran on 17 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the development of relations between the two countries, declaring Iran an "old and stable partner."

Putin said that trade between the two countries rose by 70% over past two years. However, he did not mention the construction of the Bushehr nuclear reactor. Russia has maintained that it will not deliver nuclear fuel to the plant until an agreement is established to guarantee the return of all the spent fuel to Russia for reprocessing and storage. The agreement is likely to be signed over the summer.

On 26 May 2004 , Pakistan confirmed North Korea 's involvement in the clandestine nuclear black market. North Korea has been accused of supplying some 1.7 tons uranium hexafluoride to Libya for its now scrapped nuclear program. North Korea may also have provided Iran and other nations with nuclear fuel, components and know-how. However, the IAEA is unable to independently verify such claims since its inspectors were expelled from North Korea in December 2002.

The US has long accused North Korea of manufacturing uranium-based weapons, and North Korea has consistently denied such allegations.

North Korea and US Relentless in Deadlock | Top

A third round of six-party talks on the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula stalled on 21 May 2004 . During the meeting, North Korea rejected the US demand for complete dismantlement of its civil and military nuclear program. North Korea accused the US of being arrogant and threatened to develop a "stronger nuclear deterrent force" in response.

When the talks opened on 12 May, North Korea suggested that the best way to resolve the standoff would be to replace a 51-year old armist ice with a peace treaty to end the Korean War. The peace treaty would be signed by North Korea , South Korea and the US . The US said it might discuss the issue after North Korea agreed to demands for "complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear program."

Earlier in May, the US rejected North Korea 's offer to freeze its nuclear activities in exchange for the resumption of constructing two light water nuclear reactors. Joseph DeTrani, Chief Negotiator for the US , told North Korea that it will have to rejoin the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and allow inspectors to return to monitor activities before the reactor deal could be discussed.

On 20 May 2004 , the UK urged North Korea to take the "Qadhafi route" and disclose details of its nuclear program in exchange for acceptance in the international community. The talks took place as Maur ice Strong, Senior Adviser to the UN Secretary General, went to North Korea to restart another round of negotiations. According to diplomatic sources, the UK and the European Union believe they can negotiate with North Korea from a "less confrontational" stance than that pursued by the US .

The UK government is pushing for an agreement that will guarantee UK-US collaboration on nuclear weapons for the next ten years. Such an agreement would enable scientists in both countries to exchange information on design, technology and testing of nuclear weapons.

The agreement comes at a time when the Bush Administration is seeking to increase funding for new nuclear weapons and proposing to reduce the time needed to resume nuclear testing. It is widely suspected that the UK is also attempting to recreate facilities capable of designing and building new generations of nuclear weapons at the Aldermaston nuclear plant in Berkshire . In 2003, British scientists visited US nuclear laboratories on 190 occasions, and a total of 219 UK personnel visited the Nevada Test Site.

Source: The Observer, 9 May 2004.

House Vote to Shift Nuclear Funds Narrowly Defeated | Top

On 20 May 2004 , a Democratic amendment to shift funds from programs that research new nuclear weapons designs to conventional weapons and better target intelligence was narrowly defeated in the House of Representatives. Republicans barely preserved $27 million for research on the "bunker-buster," and $9 million for the Advanced Concept program which includes research on "mini-nukes."

Although the amendment did not pass, the 214-to-204 vote was closer than a similar effort last year, signifying growing opposition to the research and development of new nuclear weapons and their implication on spurring proliferation. Some argue that the manufacturing of new nuclear weapons such as the "bunker-buster" and the "mini-nuke" is harmful to US efforts to discourage other nations from acquiring and developing nuclear weapons.

Representative Tauscher (D-CA) has sponsored amendments to shift funds from the two projects in the Defense Authorization Bill for the last three years. This year's amendment marked the broadest opposition to new nuclear weapons yet from moderate Democrats and Republicans - 11 of whom crossed party lines. The amendment was co-sponsored by Representatives Markey (D-MA), Skelton (D-MO), Spratt (D-SC), Dicks (D-WA) and Allen (D-ME).

Referring to the "bunker-buster" program, Representative Spratt (D-SC) stated, "It raises a crucial question: How can we move the world in one direction while we move in another direction?" In addition, Representative Tauscher (D-CA), expressed her concern that using such warheads would result in indiscriminate destruction and enormous loss of life.

Republicans, however, argue that the proposed project is merely research and acts as a tool to prevent foreign attack on the US and its allies. According to Representative Thornberry (R-TX), "To stick our head in the sand and say we don't want to know what our options are, to know what we could do, seems to me not only foolish but dangerous."

Meanwhile, Senators Feinstein (D-CA) and Kennedy (D-MA) will lead in opposing research funding for new and modified nuclear weapons in the Senate version of the $422 billion Defense Authorization Bill when Congress returns after the Memorial Day recess.

To see the final vote results for the Tauscher-Markey-Skelton-Spratt-Dicks-Allen amendment, go to: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2004/roll203.xml

To read Markey's letter on opposing the "bunker-buster", which was endorsed by 84 Representatives, go to:
http://www.house.gov/markey/Issues/iss_nonproliferation_ltr040511.pdf

GAO Questions Pentagon Laser Project | Top

The Pentagon's attempt to develop an airborne laser intended to detonate missiles in the boost phase of their flight has faced continuous technical hurdles, costing more than tw ice the original budget estimate. A recently released report from the General Accounting Office (GAO) questions the ultimate usefulness of the system. To date, some $2 billion has been spent on the program, and the Pentagon is proposing to spend an additional $3.1 billion on the project this year.

The project began in 1996 and has become a key element in the administration's drive to deploy missile defense systems. According to Senator Akaka (D-HI), who requested the report along with Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), "The GAO's findings are truly astounding. They call into question whether or not its makes sense for Congress to continue funding this program at the requested level - especially in this era of tight budgets."

A system of land-based missile interceptors is scheduled to be deployed in Alaska and California in September 2004, with the intention of knocking down incoming warheads in the midcourse of their flight. The laser project is meant to complement the system by going after enemy missiles in their "boost phase."

Source: Washington Post, 19 May 2004.

US Conducts Sub-Critical Nuclear Test | Top

On 25 May 2004 , the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) conducted a sub-critical nuclear test, code named "Armando," at the Nevada Test Site, located 85 miles north of Las Vegas . US officials claim that the test was crucial to producing "essential scientific data and technical information used to help maintain the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile."

The test took place 963 feet below ground and involved detonating high explosives around plutonium encased in a steel sphere while x-rays, radar and lasers charted the behavior of the radioactive element. The test was conducted to determine the difference between nuclear weapons triggers produced in Los Alamos (made of plutonium) and those produced at Rocky Flats (made of wrought plutonium). "Armando" is the 21 st sub-critical nuclear test conducted at the Nevada Test Site and is the third of its series following "Mario" and "Rocco" performed in August and September 2002.

According to the US administration, the test did not violate the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) because it did not result in a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction that would lead to a full-scale nuclear explosion. Despite this, the very act of the test is contrary to spirit of the CTBT, which the US has signed but has yet to ratify.

Although the US has observed a nuclear testing moratorium since 1992, the current administration has requested funds to upgrade the Nevada Test Site and decrease the time needed to prepare a full-scale nuclear test, generating concerns that the resumption of nuclear testing is on the horizon.

As pointed out by many, the apparent move towards the resumption of nuclear testing may be connected to the current research on a new generation of nuclear weapons.

Representative Matheson (D-UT) has been attempting to amend the Defense Authorization Act to require clear permission from Congress before full-scale nuclear testing could resume. In a speech to the House of Representatives on 19 May, Matheson stated, "If this country is going to resume the testing of nuclear weapons, the peoples' Representatives - the US Congress - should be involved."

Sources: NNSA News Release, 23 and 25 May 2004 ; Associated Press, 15, 22 and 24 May 2004, Desert Morning News, 20 May 2004 ; News-Herald, 17 May 2004 ; Las Vegas Review Journal, 5 May 2004.

US Unveils Global Threat Reduction Initiative | Top

On 26 May 2004 , US Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham announced a $450 million plan to address the issue of nuclear security around the world and to reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism. The Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) aims to minimize and secure the amount of weapons-grade nuclear material currently available. According to Secretary Abraham, "We will do this by the securing, removing, relocating or disposing of these materials and equipment-whatever the most appropriate circumstance may be-as quickly and expeditiously as possible ."

A main component of the plan involves collaborating with Russia "to repatriate all Russian-originated highly-enriched uranium fuel by the end of 2005." The US and Russia are scheduled to sign the Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return agreement that would retrieve uranium from 20 reactors in 17 countries and bring it back to Russia for storage. The fuel coming back to Russia is expected to be stored at Dmitrovgrad, where it will be cooled and eventually converted to low-enriched uranium. The plan would also work to convert the cores of civilian research reactors throughout the world from highly-enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium fuel.

The proposal also plans to repatriate "all US-originated research reactor spent fuel" and to "identify other nuclear and radiological material and related equipment that are not yet covered by existing threat reduction efforts."

Abraham called for an international conference on the GTRI in Fall 2004. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohammed ElBaradei, welcomed the proposal and called it a "key step" in the fight against nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism.

During a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations on 14 May, ElBaradei made clear that the current nuclear non-proliferation regime must "completely change." ElBaradei expressed concern that current treaties and agreements limiting the spread of nuclear weapons are weakening and could be endangered unless sweeping reforms to the system were made in the United Nations Security Council.

To read Abraham's speech at the IAEA, go to http://www.doe.gov/engine/content.do?PUBLIC_ID=15949&BT_CODE=PR_SPEECHES&TT_CODE=PRESSSPEECH

To read ElBaradei's interview at the Council on Foreign Relations, go to: http://www.cfr.org/pub7032/graham_t_allison_mohamed_elbaradei/the_challenges_facing_nonproliferation.php

Panama Joins Proliferation Security Initiative | Top

Panama signed onto the US Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) on 12 May 2004 , agreeing to permit inspectors to board and search its flagships on the open seas if suspected of transporting biological, chemical and nuclear weapons-related equipment.

The inclusion of Panama, the world's leading shipping registry, and of Liberia (in February 2004), the world's second largest shipping registry, to the PSI are the latest examples of what has been a rapid and quiet expansion of the US-led initiative that was launched a year ago. Originally supported by 10 allies, 60 nations have since signed onto the initiative.

Pakistan Tightens Nuclear Controls | Top

Following the passage of the UN resolution on nonproliferation in April 2004, Pakistan has agreed to tighten its rules on nuclear export controls. The recent approval of a draft bill in the federal cabinet provides a maximum jail term of 14 years and a top fine of $285,000 for those caught attempting to export material, equipment and technology related to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery. Once approved by parliament, the bill will become law.

Russian Concerns on Decommissioned Submarines | Top

Russia faces grave environmental and terrorist threats unless international aid is accelerated for dismantling its decommissioned nuclear submarines. Atomic Energy Minister Sergei Antipov said Russia will raise the country's concerns in the Group of Eight (G8) meeting in June 2004.

Despite the G8 Global Partnership Initiative in 2002 to spend $20 billion over 10 years to secure stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction materials, only $100 million had been spent directly in Russia . Approximately $50 million was spent on the daunting task of dismantling 96 of Russia 's rapidly degenerating submarines.

2004 NPT PrepCom Ends in Stalemate | Top

The 2004 Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) meeting of parties for the 2005 Review Conference to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ended in disarray on 7 May 2004 , after delegates failed to resolve differences on numerous political and procedural issues. Member states adopted only parts of a final report containing the most minimal agreements to enable the 2005 Review Conference to take place.

The meeting did not resume an open session to formally close proceedings and failed to produce recommendations or a program of work for next year's meeting. Fulfilling a difficult role, Chairman Ambassador Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat of Indonesia issued a summary that attempted to reflect conflicting ideas. However, the Chairman's report was heavily criticized by several states, including the nuclear weapons states led by the US , as well as by Iran and Canada .

During the PrepCom, priorities to eliminate exiting nuclear weapons, stop the further spread of nuclear weapons and ensure access to nuclear technology and material for peaceful purposes were discussed. The crux of the political debate was whether the emphasis should be placed on the disarmament of the five nuclear weapon states ( Britain , China , France , Russia , US) or the proliferation threat by countries such as North Korea and Iran .

The US spent considerable time in the meeting condemning Iran 's clandestine attempts to develop its nuclear programs and highlighting treaty violations by North Korea and Libya John Bolton, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, stated, "How long will the international community accept Iran 's dissembling and deceit regarding these violations of core obligations?"

However, the US concerns did not match the concerns of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which includes countries such as Malaysia , Indonesia and Iran , or the New Agenda Coalition (NAC), which includes Brazil , Egypt , Ireland , New Zealand, South Africa , Sweden , and Mexico . Along with most European states, the groups made clear that the slow pace of disarmament by the five nuclear weapon states, especially the US , and the possession of nuclear weapons by India , Pakistan and Israel pose the most serous threats to the survival of the NPT.

According to the Malaysian ambassador Rastam Modh, "The [Non-Aligned] movement remains concerned at the lack of progress towards achieving the total elimination of nuclear weapons."

Mexican ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba remarked that the NAC felt, "There has still not been meaningful commitment by the nuclear weapon states towards fulfilling the [disarmament] obligations."

Another contentious point during the meeting was whether the parties should acknowledge the final document of the 2000 Review Conference. The document, known as the 13 Practical Steps for Nuclear Disarmament , lists specific actions that nuclear weapon states agreed to, including a commitment to fulfill the "unequivocal undertaking . to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals." The US has further violated the commitments outlined in the 13 Practical Steps by abandoning the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, and failing to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The US insisted that such commitments can longer be formally referenced as, to quote the US delegation, "times have changed."

Brazilian ambassador Sergio Duarte will be President of the 2005 Review Conference, which will take place from 2 to 27 May 2005 . Duarte 's challenge will be to establish a concrete agenda and to bridge the gap between conflicting parties.

For Final Report of NPT, go to http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/legal/npt/prepcom04/finaldraft.pdf

For NGO Analyses of the NPT go to http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/legal/npt/prepcom04/NGOanal.html

US Attempts to Exempt Troops from ICC | Top

On 20 May 2004 , the Bush administration demanded an immediate vote to renew a UN Security Council resolution that would exempt its troops serving in UN-approved peacekeeping operations from prosecution for war crimes before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The renewal of the contentious Resolution 1487 would grant immunity to personnel in UN-authorized or approved operations from states that have not yet ratified the ICC Treaty. Both the US and Iraq have not ratified the treaty. If Resolution 1487 is renewed, US troops serving in Iraq would be exempt from international war crimes prosecution.

Resolution 1487 was first approved after the US threatened to veto all UN peacekeeping missions if ICC exemptions were not passed in 2002 and then again in 2003. This year, US pressure to quickly renew Resolution 1487 comes amid global attention to abuses and torture by US soldiers of Iraqi detainees. Human rights groups oppose the resolution and believe that the US military should be responsible for war crimes committed in Iraq and Afghanistan under the Geneva Conventions. They also believe that theoretically these crimes could be prosecuted under the ICC, even though neither Iraq nor the US has signed the treaty.

In 2003, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan warned against renewing the resolution, stating, "Allow me to express the hope that this does not become an annual routine. If it did, I fear the world would interpret it as meaning that the Council wished to claim absolute and permanent immunity for people serving in the operations it establishes or authorizes. If that were to happen, it would undermine not only the authority of the ICC but also the authority of the Council and the legitimacy of United Nations peacekeeping."

Renewal of the resolution is likely to draw fierce opposition by member states, and a vote has been indefinitely postponed.

For the text of Resolution 1487, go to http://daccess-ods.un.org/TMP/6081472.html

For the text of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, go to http://www.un.org/law/icc/statute/romefra.htm

Sources: Oneworld.net, 21 May 2004 ; Hurman Rights Watch News Release, 20 May 2004.

Scientists Reveal "Technical Realities" on US Missile Defense | Top

According to a report released by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) on 13 May 2004 , the US missile defense project due to be deployed by 30 September 2004 is incapable of shooting down any incoming warheads. The report, entitled "Technical Realities," found "no basis for believing the system will have any capability to defend against a real attack."

Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), a senior democrat on the Senate Armed Serv ice s Committee, supported the report and called for the Bush Administration to stop purchasing interceptors until they are proven to work in operational tests. Ten interceptor missiles stored in silos are set to be deployed at Fort Greely , Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California later this year. The unrealizable goal of the system is to "protect" all 50 states against intercontinental missile attacks.

To read Technical Realities: An Analysis of the 2004 Deployment of a US National Missile Defense System, please visit: http://www.ucsusa.org/global_security/missile_defense/page.cfm?pageID=1403

Sources: Reuters, 13 May 2004 ; LA Times, 6 May 2004.

Pakistan Tests Nuclear-Capable Missile | Top

On 29 May, it was reported that Pakistan successfully test-fired the Ghauri (Hatf V), a ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. According to Major-General Shaukat Sultan, the missile has a range of up to 1500 kilometers and can carry all types of warheads.

The Ghauri missile was developed by Khan Research Laboratories, Pakistan 's main uranium-enrichment facility, which was named for Abdul Qadir Khan, once revered as the father of the country's atom bomb. Earlier this year, Khan was fired from his job as a special government adviser after he admitted exporting nuclear secrets to Iran , Libya and North Korea .

Pakistan claims that its nuclear program is a response to India 's nuclear arsenal. The missile test came just a few days after a new government took office in India . The new administration in India has pledged to continue a peace process with Pakistan , but postponed talks aimed at easing nuclear tensions, saying it needed time to settle in.

Source: Reuters, 29 May 2004.

High-Level Nuclear Waste Reclassification | Top

In 1982, Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act obligating the federal government to dispose of high-level nuclear waste in an underground repository. In July 2003, a federal district judge in Boise , Idaho upheld the Nuclear Waste Policy Act when a suit was filed against the Department of Energy (DoE) for scheming to leave high-level waste in existing, unsound storage.

Today, some members of Congress are again feverishly attempting to create a loophole that will absolve the DoE from the requirement that all high-level waste be buried in an underground repository. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is spearheading the attempt and has convinced the Senate Armed Services Committee to amend Defense Bill S.2400, which will allow the DoE to shirk their responsibilities at South Carolina 's Savannah River Site (SRS) and leave a "witches brew of radioactivity" in place. According to Dr. Arjun Makhijani, President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, Graham's amendment to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act will, "convert SRS into a vast high-level radioactive waste dump in the watershed of the Savannah River."

Graham's amendment sets an environmentally unfriendly precedent. Residents in both Idaho and Washington are worried as, respectively, 900,000 gallons and 53 million gallons of high-level waste are awaiting long overdue cleanup in unstable storage sites.

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is leading the movement against Graham's amendment. You can take action by signing Cantwell's petition against the reclassification of high-level nuclear waste. Sign the petition at: http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/nuclearwaste_petition.html

Sources: New York Times, 1 and 7 May 2004 ; IEER Press Release, 17 May 2004 ; The News Tribune, 17 May 2004 ; Twin Falls Times News, 20 May, 2004.

Radioactive Spill Ignored by US Authorities | Top

Strontium 90, considered one of the most hazardous nuclear wastes by the US Environmental Protection Agency, was spilled across nearly two miles of Highway 95 in Roane County , Tennessee at 11:00 am on 14 May 2004 . More than five hours after the spill occurred, authorities finally closed the road. Tennessee citizens were outraged that authorities failed to communicate the accident within five hours of the spill.

Sources: WVLT Volunteer TV Knoxville TN, 17, 19 May 2004 ; Roane County News, 26 May 2004.

Radioactivity Found Near Livermore Lab | Top

Artificial radioactivity was detected near Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California Americium 241, Cesium 137 and Strontium 90 were found in a grass sample collected near Flynn Road, downwind from the laboratory. The study was conducted by RadioActivist Campaign, an independent science organization based in Belfair , Washington and Tri-Valley CAREs of Livermore, California.

According to RadioActivist Campaign Director, Norm Buske, "These findings show the Laboratory doesn't detect much of the radioactivity leaking into the community. It doesn't protect the public."

Source: Tri-Valley CARES and RadioActivist Campaign Press Release, 4 May 2004 .

Vietnam and France Sign Nuclear Deal | Top

On 26 May 2004 , Vietnam and France signed an agreement to cooperate on the construction of a nuclear power plant. Vietnam is preparing to build its first nuclear power plant by 2020. A feasibility report is currently underway to determine a suitable location in one of its coastal provinces.

The development of Vietnam ’s energy infrastructure is a major challenge for the industrializing nation, where the government has predicted a shortage of energy by 2015.

Despite the country’s vast network of rivers and significant oil, gas and coal reserves, the Vietnamese government believes that adding nuclear power will produce energy to meet future needs. However, some analysts also believe that Vietnam ’s desire for nuclear power may be connected to its military and security policy. Vietnam ’s neighbors - China , North Korea , South Korea , Japan , Taiwan , India and Pakistan – all possess nuclear capabilities.

According to a foreign energy specialist who requested anonymity, “Nuclear power is always tied up with national defense, so it is very difficult to say whether a shortage of energy in 2015 requires developing this option in a country with a lot of capacity in hydro-power and coal.”

Source: IPPNW News Release, 27 May 2004 ; Asia Times, 27 May 2004.

International Law Symposium on Charting a New Course for US Nuclear Policy | Top

From 13-15 May, the Foundation held its annual International Law Symposium on Charting a New Course for US Nuclear Policy in Santa Barbara , California . The Symposium brought together experts in nuclear policy, communications and campaign strategy from around the US and Canada to develop a blueprint for US nuclear policy. Proceedings from the Symposium will be posted on the Foundation’s website in the near future. On 14 May, the Foundation held a public forum on “Nuclear Weapons and International Disorder” with Symposium participants Brent Blackwelder, Helen Caldicott, Phil Coyle, Daniel Ellsberg, Richard Falk and Jonathan Schell at Santa Barbara City College.

During the month of May, Foundation President David Krieger spoke several times to university classes on Ethics, International Law, Environmental Sustainability and Peace and War. Foundation Youth Programs Director Michael Coffey gave the keynote address to the City Club of Cleveland Youth Forum. If you are interested in scheduling a Foundation staff member or representative to speak to your community, organization or at your event, please contact Carah Ong at
communications@napf.org

Mini Nukes on Primetime ABC | Top

A team of specialist science journalists from Australia have produced a television segment analyzing the ramifications of the next generation of US nuclear weapons. Does the US military need mini nuclear weapons in the war on terror? Are bunker busting nuclear weapons capable of burrowing deep enough to destroy buried chemical and biological weapons or buried command centers? Will radioactive fallout from mini nuclear weapons and bunker busters cause a significant threat to surrounding environments? Learn the answers to these questions by viewing the nine minute television segment at: http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s1112492.htm

Battle Ready is the fourth book in Tom Clancy’s Commanders series, a series of books he has co-written with US Generals. Battle Ready looks at Retired General Anthony Zinni's long military career, dating back to the Vietnam War, and includes harsh remarks by Zinni about the current Iraq War. Retired General Anthony Zinni served for 40 years, most recently as Commander in Chief of CENTCOM from 1997 to 2000, and from November 2002 to March 2003 was Colin Powell's special envoy to the Middle East . Disagreements with the Bush administration over the Iraq war led Zinni to retire from service. Zinni states, “ In the lead-up to the Iraq War and its later conduct, I saw at a minimum, true dereliction, negligence, and irresponsibility, at worse, lying, incompetence and corruption …False rationales presented as justification, a flawed strategy, lack of planning, the unnecessary distraction from real threats, and the unbearable strain dumped on our overstretched military, all of these caused me to speak out.” Battle Ready is available for purchase at book retailers around the world.

Securing the Bomb: An Agenda for Action | Top

Securing the Bomb: An Agenda for Action is a report commissioned by the Nuclear Threat Initiative, released by the Project on Managing the Atom at Harvard University . Securing the Bomb finds that today less nuclear material is secured in the US than in the years prior to the September 11 terrorist attacks. According to Senator Sam Nunn, “This report reveals how much more needs to be done to protect against nuclear terrorism. We are not doing all that we can and all that we must.” The full report is available as a PDF download at: http://www.nti.org/e_research/analysis_cnwmupdate_052404.pdf

The British American Security Information Council has released the report Sailing into Uncharted Waters? The Proliferation Security Initiative and the Law of the Sea. The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) is a project led by the US to combat the trafficking of nuclear, chemical, biological weapons, and their means of delivery. To date, the PSI led to the successful interdiction of centrifuge parts bound for Libya . The report focuses on the history of the PSI and discusses recommendations for continued progress. View the executive summary at: http://www.basicint.org/pubs/Research/04PSI.htm

Support the Foundation’s National Campaign to Chart a New Course for US Nuclear Policy | Top

The 2004 election year has officially begun and, with it, comes an opportunity to engage presidential and congressional candidates in a public debate on nuclear policies. This is our chance to boldly and decisively move America 's nuclear policies in a positive new direction that will ensure security for you, your children and grandchildren.

With this in mind, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation is launching a national grassroots campaign to mobilize broad-based public support for positive US nuclear disarmament policies that will make us all more secure. In continuing its long tradition of demonstrating world leadership, the US should advance and implement nuclear policies that will lead to a safer and more secure environment both in America and around the world.

Every individual concerned with the future of our security must step forward right now and help. There can be no waiting, no hesitation. This campaign is your opportunity to voice your concerns about nuclear policies and call for US Presidential and Congressional leadership.

Please click here to make an online donation.

“Acting upon my principles became incompatible with my role in the military. By putting my weapon down, I chose to reassert myself as a human being.”

-Camilo Mejia, conscientious objector sentenced to prison for his stance against the Iraq War
21 May 2004

“I am proposing a new initiative to prevent the world’s deadliest weapons from falling into the world’s most dangerous hands. If we secure all bomb making materials, ensure that no new materials are produced for nuclear weapons and end nuclear weapons programs in hostile states like North Korea and Iran , we will dramatically reduce the possibility of nuclear terrorism.”

-Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Presidential Candidate
1 June 2004

"I am calling today for Republicans as well as Democrats to join me in asking for the immediate resignations of those immediately below George Bush and Dick Cheney who are most responsible for creating the catastrophe we are facing in Iraq”

- Former US Vice President Al Gore
26 May 2004

“By calling for the development of new, more usable nuclear weapons, the United States sends a message to our enemies and allies alike that we are ready to compete in a new arms race and that nuclear weapons are legitimate weapons that should be acquired.”

-Representative Ellen Tauscher (D-CA)
21 May 2004

“He who fights against monsters should see to it that he does not become a monster in the process. And when you stare persistently into an abyss, the abyss also stares into you.”

-Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900), German philosopher, classical scholar, critic of culture

“The global security agenda promoted by the US administration is bankrupt of vision and bereft of principle. Violating rights at home, turning a blind eye to abuses abroad, and using pre-emptive military force where and when it chooses has damaged justice and freedom, and made the world a more dangerous place.”

-Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International
27 May 2004