Q1. What is the Nuclear Security Summit?

The Nuclear Security Summit is a top-level meeting that serves as a forum for governments to build sustained cooperation to safeguard against nuclear terrorism, the greatest threat to global security in the 21st century. It also aims to prevent weapons-grade materials and nuclear facilities around the world from falling into the hands of terrorists.

In April 2009, President Barack Obama of the United States gave a speech in Prague, urging the world to join hands to prevent nuclear terrorism and announced a “new international effort to secure all vulnerable nuclear material around the world within four years.” In response, the first Nuclear Security Summit was held in Washington, D.C. in April 2010.

Q2. Is nuclear security such an important issue for over 50 heads of state and organizations to meet and discuss?

The threat of nuclear terrorism is real

The 9/11 attack proved that an act of terrorism employing a massively destructive nuclear weapon is no longer just an idea, but a real and possible threat. The level of perceived threat of nuclear terrorism differs from country to country. However, when it comes to national security, the worst case scenario has to be presumed; it is wise to prepare for nuclear or radiological terrorism, even if there is only 0.01% possibility of it occurring.  

The terrorist threat has not changed

Even after the death of Osama bin Laden, the general consensus is that it is hard to say that conditions have improved with regard to eradicating terrorism. Non-state actors such as terrorists engage in illicit activities such as the seizure of fissile materials, production of warheads and cross-border trafficking to produce a nuclear weapon; this cannot be controlled by a single nation. Therefore, international cooperation is absolutely necessary, including on border control and law enforcement.

Nuclear terrorism is a common challenge of the international community

In this heavily inter-dependant and globalized world, nuclear terrorism is not only the problem of Western countries such as the United States, but rather a common challenge of the international community, and Korea is no exception to that. The Nuclear Security Summit has great significance as it provides an opportunity for the leaders of the world’s leading countries to share opinions on the nuclear terrorism issue and discuss measures to prevent it.

Q3. Has nuclear security been discussed only recently?

Ongoing discussion since the 1960s

In the late 1960s, cross-border transfers of nuclear materials increased with the rising use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Nuclear security aimed to ensure stability in the supply of nuclear fuel by preventing illegal seizures of nuclear materials in transit.

The necessity of nuclear security emerged in the post-Cold War era

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, managing existing nuclear materials and facilities within the former Soviet territory emerged as a priority issue, with an emphasis on disarmament, protection and reduction of nuclear materials and facilities.

Realistic necessity multiplied since the 9/11 attack

Following the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the possibility of terrorists misusing nuclear materials and facilities became a real threat, and nuclear security was highlighted as a means to combat the threat of nuclear terrorism.

Q4. Is it realistically possible for terrorists to use nuclear weapons?

The wrongful use of nuclear weapons by terrorists is a very real threat

In order to produce the most primitive nuclear weapon or radiological device, it is known that 25kg of highly enriched uranium or 8kg of plutonium is needed. Therefore, it is very important to prevent these two nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorists.

Enough nuclear materials to produce 126,500 nuclear weapons lie scattered around the world

Today, there are about 1,600 tons of highly enriched uranium (HEU) and about 500 tons of plutonium (Pu) in the world. This amount is estimated to be sufficient to produce about 126,500 nuclear weapons. If terrorists detonate a single nuclear device at the heart of a city, it will not only take millions of lives, but also paralyze the densely inter-connected global economic and financial networks in an instant, which will in turn translate into a catastrophe on a global scale. Furthermore, the political, social, environmental and psychological aftereffects are inestimable.

Q5. What were the major outcomes of the 2010 Washington Nuclear Security Summit?

Washington Communiqué

The Washington Communiqué states that nuclear terrorism is one of the most challenging threats to international security, and that strong nuclear security measures are the most effective means to prevent terrorists, criminals, or other unauthorized actors from acquiring nuclear materials.

Work Plan

Leaders also agreed upon an accompanying Work Plan which specifies 50 cooperative nuclear security measures across 11 areas.

Korea’s contribution

Another major outcome highlighted at the Washington Nuclear Security Summit was the announcement of voluntary national commitments of 30 participating countries, otherwise referred to as “house gifts.” Among these pledges were the disposal and minimization of highly enriched uranium (HEU), ratification of nuclear security treaties, increased donations to the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA)’s Nuclear Security Fund, joining the GICNT (Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism) and building Centers of Excellence.

Korea’s announcement to strengthen its nuclear security structure by hosting the 2011 GICNT (Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism) Plenary Meeting, as well as to build a nuclear security Center of Excellence, was welcomed by other nations.

Q6. When will the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit be held and which countries and organizations are planning to participate? What topics will be discussed?

Date and Venue: March 26^th –27^th, 2012, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Participants

47 Heads of states and three international organizations including the UN, IAEA, EU that participated in the first Nuclear Security Summit, as well as INTERPOL and a few more countries will participate.

Participating countries and international organizations

Main agenda

First and foremost, the following fundamental issues of nuclear security will be discussed: response to nuclear terrorism, protection of nuclear materials and facilities, and prevention of illegal trafficking of nuclear materials. Following the nuclear accident at Fukushima in March 2011, the issue of nuclear safety and radiological safety will also be on the agenda. The nuclear safety issue will be emphasized and discussed throughout the Summit in terms of its implications on nuclear security and how it can help the main purpose of the Nuclear Security Summit.

Q7. What is the purpose of the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit?

Presenting a practical vision and implementation measures

The Seoul Nuclear Security Summit aims to contribute to making a world free of nuclear and radiological terrorism by laying out a practical vision and implementation measures on nuclear security. To this end, the Seoul Summit will advance the goals and principles agreed upon at the 2010 Washington NSS as well as create new action-oriented goals and measures.

Adoption of the Seoul Communiqué

The vision and implementation measures for further strengthening nuclear security will be outlined in the Seoul Communiqué, the final document of the Summit. The contents of the Seoul Communiqué are being consulted upon among participating states. It will include core issues such as the management of nuclear and radioactive materials, the protection of nuclear facilities, the prevention of illicit trafficking, as well as issues concerning regulatory, policy-related, institutional, cultural and technical aspects of nuclear security. The process of nuclear security meetings will gain momentum through the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, advancing it from the level of political pledges to the level of action.

Q8. What role will Korea play as the host country?

Chairing the Summit and holding a press conference

President Lee Myung-bak will chair all the sessions of the Summit and extract final agreement on the final document. Furthermore, President Lee will hold a press conference as chairperson immediately after the Summit and brief to the international and domestic press on the results of the Summit.

Coordinating the agenda and leading discussions on the Seoul Communiqué

Korea will draft the Seoul Communiqué, the final document of the Seoul Summit, and lead discussions between the participating states to prepare it for adoption at the Seoul Summit through several rounds of Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa meetings.

Making efforts to secure tangible outcomes and acting as a bridge between different groups

Korea will make diplomatic efforts vis-à-vis participating states to encourage them to announce voluntary commitments, and will make efforts to mediate the positions between the nuclear haves and have-nots, and between advanced and developing countries.

Deciding on participating states

Korea will make the decision on which states will participate in the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. To ensure continuity, Korea has invited all 47 states and 3 international organizations which participated in the 2010 Washington Nuclear Security Summit. In addition, INTERPOL was added to the group of participants as agreed upon between the participating countries and international organizations.

Additional invitations to states will be decided upon based on the consideration of various aspects, such as an official request from a state, the potential contribution of that state to the Summit, etc.

Q9. What is the significance of hosting of the Nuclear Security Summit in Korea? 

Leading the global security discussions post-9/11 

Hosting the Nuclear Security Summit means that Korea is an active participant in leading the global security discussions in the post-Cold War era, especially after the 9/11 terrorist attack. Along with nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, nuclear security is a core international security issue in the post-Cold War era, aiming to ultimately realize a world without nuclear weapons. In addition, it is meaningful that Korea will play a leading role in establishing global governance in the security and political fields.

Recognition of Korea’s status by the international community

The hosting of the second Nuclear Security Summit by Korea after the United States demonstrates that Korea has established itself as an advanced country in the international community. Moreover, it reflects the recognition of Korea as the 5^th ranking nuclear energy state that complies with NPT obligations despite the serious nuclear threat posed by North Korea. It is also recognition of Korea’s contribution to climate change and green growth.

Contribution to peace and stability on the Korean peninsula

It is expected that the international environment surrounding the Korean peninsula will undergo major changes in the year 2012. North Korea has declared 2012 as the first year of turning itself into a “powerful and prosperous nation.” In addition, there will be national elections and a possible change of leadership in the United States, Russia and China. In this context, the fact that heads of major countries will gather in Seoul to discuss world security will highlight the importance of maintaining stability on the Korean peninsula and the denuclearization of North Korea.

Restoration of public trust in nuclear energy

Through the discussions on nuclear security and nuclear safety, the Summit will contribute to the safe and continued development of nuclear energy by restoring the trust in nuclear energy which was hampered by the accident in Fukushima.

Enhancement of Korea’s global position as a diplomatic commissioner

The 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, where 50 heads of states and international organizations will participate, will be the largest summit to be held in Korea. After establishing its status as an advanced country by successfully hosting the G20 Summit in November 2010, Korea has gained an even greater standing in the international community by being the next host to the Nuclear Security Summit. Korea will play a leading role in establishing global governance in the security and political fields just as it played a significant role in the economic field in the G20 Summit.

Q10. What is the main agenda of the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit?

The 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit will be held from March 26^th to 27^th, 2012. The main program is as follows:

In order to maximize the effect of the outcome of the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit and to strengthen the government-civil sector partnership before the official Summit meeting, we are preparing the following sideline conferences:

2012 Nuclear Security Symposium (March 23^rd)

The meeting/conference will be hosted by the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC) and the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security (IFANS), and will be attended by international nuclear security experts.

Nuclear Industry Conference (March 23^rd - 24^th)

The meeting/conference will be hosted by the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corporation and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and will be attended by CEOs of international nuclear energy industry.

Q11. How is the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit being prepared?

Creation of Nuclear Security Summit Preparatory Committee and Secretariat

• Oct. 2010 Establishment of the Nuclear Security Summit Preparatory Committee

• March 2011: Establishment of the Nuclear Security Summit Preparatory Committee (Headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa meetings

• Sherpa Meeting: Buenos Aires (Nov. 2010), Helsinki (Oct. 2011), India (Jan. 2012), Seoul (right before the Summit)
• Sous-Sherpa Meeting: Vienna (Mar. 2011), Seoul (Jun. 2011)

Q12. How will negotiations among participating states be conducted in preparation for the Summit?

Beginning with the 2009 proposal for a Washington Nuclear Security Summit, each country entered into diplomatic negotiations by designating a Sherpa and a Sous-Sherpa to consult on the agenda and proceedings. Likewise, Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas are consulting on the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit at respective meetings. Generally, 3 or 4 rounds of Sherpa meetings are held in preparation for a summit and Sous-Sherpa meetings are held as necessary.

Q13. Will the North Korean nuclear issue be on the agenda at the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit?

The North Korean nuclear issue is related to nuclear nonproliferation, which is different from nuclear security

The nuclear issues of North Korea and Iran are essentially nuclear nonproliferation issues, which are mostly dealt with by respective political mechanisms (such as the Six Party Talks or the P5+1 meetings), the NPT, the UN Security Council and the IAEA. Hence, it is not a core issue to be discussed at the Nuclear Security Summit.

North Korea is undoubtedly a cause for concern regarding its use and control of nuclear facilities and materials. Those facilities and materials need to be fully removed for nuclear security and nonproliferation reasons.

In this context, President Lee Myung-bak expressed in his Berlin speech of May 2011 a willingness to invite Kim Jong-il to the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit once North Korea decides to give up its nuclear ambitions. The fact that 50 heads of state will discuss nuclear security in Seoul will send a message to North Korea to give up its nuclear program and join the international community as a responsible actor.

Q14. How will the nuclear safety issue be handled at the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit?

Nuclear safety should be developed in tandem with nuclear security

One insight gained from the Fukushima nuclear accident was that nuclear safety should be developed in tandem with nuclear security. This is because the damage from a terrorist attack on nuclear facilities would not differ much from that of a nuclear accident; therefore a similar approach will be needed to respond to both.

The peaceful uses of nuclear energy is only possible with nuclear security as a prerequisite

The peaceful uses of nuclear energy can be promoted only when the correlation between nuclear security and nuclear safety is understood in depth, and when that correlation is reinforced by action.

The nuclear safety issue will be handled within the context of strengthening nuclear security

Since the Nuclear Security Summit is a forum to strengthen nuclear security, nuclear security will undoubtedly be the main focus of the Seoul Summit. However, there is a consensus among participating states that the nuclear safety issue must also be handled in terms of its influence and contribution to the achievement of the goal of nuclear security.

Q15. In addition to nuclear terrorism, will the issue of radiological terrorism be handled as importantly at the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit?

The issue of the security of radioactive materials

The issue of the security of radioactive materials, which was not discussed in depth at the first summit in Washington, D.C., will be explored further at the Seoul Summit. Terrorism using explosive devices using radioactive materials (i.e. dirty bomb) can be a bigger threat in the sense that there is a higher possibility of it occurring, as it is easier to gain the raw materials to produce such devices, even though the scale of the damage may be smaller than that of full-scale nuclear terrorism. Moreover, as seen in the Fukushima accident, the general public experiences the same level of perceived threat from radiation exposure as they would from nuclear terrorism.

Frequent thefts and loss of radioactive materials

According to the IAEA Database on Illicit Trafficking (ITDB), among the theft and loss of nuclear or radioactive materials since 1995, two thirds consist of radioactive materials.

In this sense, international cooperation and national measures to strengthen the safe management of radioactive material should be actively discussed. Korea, as the host country of the Nuclear Security Summit, will make efforts to ensure progress in this direction. 

Q 16. How is nuclear security, nuclear disarmament and nuclear nonproliferation different?

Nuclear Security

Nuclear Security is series of actions to prevent terrorists from accessing nuclear weapon or materials. The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) defines Nuclear Security as “The prevention and detection of and response to theft, sabotage, unauthorized access, illegal transfer or other malicious acts involving nuclear material, other radioactive substances or their associated facilities.”

Nuclear Disarmament

Nuclear Disarmament refers to the act of reducing stockpiles of nuclear weapons. A major example of this is the USA and Russia’s New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) nuclear treaty in which both countries agreed to limit the number of their deployed warheads to 1,550.

Nuclear Nonproliferation

Nuclear Nonproliferation is action to limit the development of nuclear weapons in 5 nuclear weapons states recognized by Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China), as well as preserving the right to peacefully use nuclear technology.

Q17. What are the international regulations for nuclear security?

International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT)

• In effect from July 2007
• 115 nations signed the Convention and 77 nations have ratified/joined the convention (as of Sept. 2, 2011)
• The convention imposes an obligation on States Parties to define the following acts as criminal offenses and to make them punishable through domestic penal law: the manufacture, possession, or the use of nuclear or radioactive material with intent to cause serious physical injury, death or substantial damage to property or to the environment

Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials and its Amendment (CPPNM)

• Announced in 1987, revised amendment adopted in July, 2005
• Each country needs to take appropriate physical protection measures of nuclear materials under its jurisdiction; safeguard them against theft or embezzlement, including the unlawful transportation of nuclear materials; and establish such acts as criminal offenses under domestic law. 
• The 2005 amendment to the CPPNM added provisions on the protection of nuclear facilities

UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (Compulsory)

• Adopted in 2004 to enforce effective measures against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by terrorists
• Legislations on nonproliferation and controlled exports are mandatory and each state is required to submit detailed implementation plans within six months

Q18. Which international cooperative measures for nuclear security have taken place so far?

G-8 Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (G-8 Global Partnership)

• Background: Following the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the Global Partnership was launched in June 2002 as a G-8 initiative (23 countries are participating as of Oct. 2011) against the spread of weapons and materials of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union states.
• Main Projects: The Global Partnership is committed to preventing terrorists or those that harbor them from acquiring or developing nuclear, chemical, radiological or biological weapons, missiles, or related equipment and technology in Russia and Ukraine.
• Korea joined the GP in June 2004 and has contributed 4.6 million dollars since then.

Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT)

• Background: The GICNT was launched by the United States and Russia in July 2006 to strengthen global capability to prevent, detect, and respond to nuclear terrorism.
• GICNT is an international partnership of 82 nations and four official observers (IAEA, EU, Interpol, and UNODC)
• The 7th GICNT Plenary was held in Daejeon, Korea, on June 29th to 30th, 2011.

Q19. What implications does the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident have for nuclear security?

It is often perceived that nuclear or radiological terrorism is carried out by terrorists who have acquired nuclear materials to build weapons or bombs. However, the radioactive leakage from the Fukushima accident was caused by the breakdown of the cooling device for the power plant. This event made us aware of the possibility that apart from material extortion, similar disasters can take place through the malfunctioning of a nuclear plant or sabotage of nuclear facilities.

Q20. What are the nuclear security systems and policies in Korea?

National laws and regulations related to nuclear security

• Atomic Energy Law

     - The Atomic Energy Law was revised in 1995 to include provisions on nuclear security

     - The Law provides for the physical protection of nuclear facilities and safe transportation

       of nuclear materials

• Protection of Nuclear Facilities, etc. and Prevention of Radiation Disasters Act

    - The Protection of Nuclear Facilities, etc. and Prevention of Radiation Disasters Act was

      enacted in 2004

    - Policies regarding the protection of nuclear facilities and nuclear materials were defined,

      and an inspection/evaluation system was introduced to check progress

Establishment of the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control

• Based on the revised 2005 Atomic Energy Law, the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC) was established in 2006 to oversee the safety and physical protection of nuclear facilities and materials
• KINAC conducts regular inspection on the protection status of nuclear facilities in Korea and maintains a national nuclear security system through education and training programs

Plans for the establishment of a Presidential Committee on Nuclear Safety

• In order to mediate the issues on nuclear safety and security following the accident in Fukushima and to strengthen the related functions of management and supervision, the Korean Government will establish a new Presidential and Cabinet-level Committee on Nuclear Safety in 2011.