Fact Sheet: Joint Statement on Nuclear Terrorism Preparedness and Response

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

___________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release                         

FACT SHEET

Joint Statement on Nuclear Terrorism Preparedness and Response Capabilities

A nuclear terrorism event anywhere in the world would have devastating human, environmental, economic, and political consequences.  Building on the nuclear and radiological material security accomplishments achieved through the Nuclear Security Summit process, the Joint Statement on Nuclear Terrorism Preparedness and Response Capabilities highlights the need for enhanced capabilities to further reduce the risks posed by nuclear terrorism.  Nuclear terrorism preparedness requires a range of activities to establish, sustain, and exercise the capabilities necessary to counter and respond to nuclear terror incidents.  Nuclear terrorism response requires a range of technical, operational, and communications capabilities to provide coordination and resolution of the incident, as well as to mitigate its consequences. 

Under this Joint Statement, the United States will promote adequate national nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilities at home, including by conducting  domestic exercises and drills.  The United States will also strengthen national interagency coordination and information-sharing.

Internationally, the United States will share relevant resources, expertise, and good practices to strengthen global nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilities.  Key actions include conducting nuclear incident preparedness and response exercises with international partners; granting access to plume modelling capabilities and 24/7 remote support for first responders; and participating in bilateral nuclear incident preparedness and response assistance and technical exchanges.  

Additionally, the United States will support the development of Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) exercises on preparedness and response in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Americas over the next two years.  We will organize a national team composed of interagency experts to participate in and support these efforts to promote regional cooperation in nuclear preparedness and response.

The United States will also promote international best practice guidance and support the International Atomic Energy’s (IAEA) new Emergency Preparedness and Response Standards Committee; share lessons learned from real world incidents through IAEA, GICNT, and in bilateral fora when appropriate; and encourage reciprocal, bilateral observation of national and international exercises as appropriate.