In Line with Resolution 1540 (2004), Morocco, Spain Conduct Maritime Exercise to Strengthen Capabilities on Security of Radioactive Material in Transport

Between 27 and 29 October, the Governments of Morocco and Spain conducted “Gate to Africa”, a joint exercise designed to strengthen their national capabilities on security of radioactive material in transport, in this case, radioactive sources used for cancer therapy, by sea.

Nuclear and other radioactive materials play important roles in energy production, medicine, agriculture and industry.  But, they can also contribute to the proliferation of nuclear weapons or fall into the hands of non-State actors or be used for terrorist purposes to spread fear and disrupt lives.  These concerns led to the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of resolution 1540 in 2004, which is intended to reduce these risks by obligating States to take the steps necessary to ensure the effective accounting, security and protection of such materials.

Over a year in planning and supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the exercise combined a transport security event and a joint field exercise on a contingency response to a malicious act at sea.

“Gate to Africa” demonstrated the need for detailed planning to ensure that complex coordination, communication and response procedures work smoothly and effectively, that Government and industry work hand in hand, and that international cooperation is essential.

Participants in the planning and execution of “Gate to Africa” included Morocco and Spain’s Foreign Ministries and State security forces and corps, as well as port and maritime authorities.  Over 100 observers participated from more than 20 countries and international organizations and arrangements, including the 1540 Committee, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Proliferation.  The Governments of Morocco and Spain plan to share the results of the exercise with others in order to strengthen nuclear security worldwide.  A member of the 1540 Committee participated in the exercise and delivered to the meeting a message from the Chair of the 1540 Committee.  An expert from the 1540 Group of Experts also participated.

For additional information about the 1540 Committee, please visit http://www.un.org/sc/1540/.