Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Entry into Force of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism

The Secretary-General welcomes the 22nd State depositing a ratification or accession to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. The Convention will enter into force 30 days after the deposit of the 22nd instrument, on 7 July 2007, nearly two years from its adoption by Member States. The Secretary-General congratulates the States that have already ratified or acceded to the Convention for making it possible for it to enter into force with such speed.

Nuclear terrorism is one of the most serious threats of our time. Even one such attack could inflict mass casualties and create immense suffering and unwanted change in the world forever. This prospect should compel all of us to act to prevent such a catastrophe.

The Nuclear Terrorism Convention will help prevent terrorist groups from gaining access to the most lethal weapons known to man. It will strengthen the international legal framework against terrorism, which, together with this Convention, comprises 13 universal instruments. The Convention, among other matters, will encourage cooperation among States, which is crucial in defeating terrorism.

Preventing terrorism and becoming parties to the international anti-terrorism conventions and protocols are key elements of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy which the General Assembly adopted last September. Therefore, all States are called upon to ratify or accede to this Convention without delay. They will have an opportunity to deposit instruments of ratification or accession to the Convention during this year's annual treaty event taking place at the beginning of the sixty-second General Assembly Session, when the Convention, along with other counter-terrorism instruments, will be highlighted.