L’Aquila (Italy), July 9 (IANS) The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their means of delivery poses a global challenge, said leaders of the world’s most industrialised countries at their summit here.
In a joint statement issued at their summit in this 13th century town, the leaders of Group of Eight (G8) industrialised nations added: “The threat of terrorists acquiring WMDs continues to be cause for deep concern.”

“We are determined to continue working together to ensure that terrorists never have access to those weapons and related materials…We will further promote the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT), which plays an important role in developing its participants’ capacity to confront this global threat on a determined and systematic basis, consistent with national legal authorities and obligations under relevant international legal frameworks,” the leaders said.

They sought a comprehensive, peaceful and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. “We urge Iran to use the present window of opportunity for engagement with the international community in a spirit of mutual respect and to respond positively to the offers advanced, in order to find a negotiated solution which will address Iran’s interest as well as the international community concerns.”

The G8 nations condemned the nuclear test conducted by North Korea May 25, saying “such a test undermines peace and stability in the region and beyond.”

They welcomed US President Barack Obama’s announcement that he has decided to seek ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

“We are all committed to seeking a safer world for all and to creating the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons, in accordance with the goals of the NPT. We welcome the nuclear disarmament measures implemented thus far by the nuclear-weapon States among G8 members,” the statement said.

“The universalisation and reinforcement of the non-proliferation regime remains an urgent priority,” it stressed.

“We call upon all States still not party to the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) to accede without delay,” the statement added.