Responsible leadership in international nuclear commerce

Abstract

This chapter discusses steps to re-establish the United States as a reliable and very competitive participant in international nuclear commerce. The American presence in nuclear trade is not going to be purchased at the expense of a weakened pursuit of nonproliferation objectives. On the contrary, it has been evident from the beginning that a fundamental goal of the efforts was preventing the further spread of nuclear weapons. The recent Israeli air attack on an Iraqi nuclear facility has forcefully focused world public attention on the development of nuclear energy and the potential risks of the further proliferation of nuclear weapons. The nuclear development programs that are conducted irresponsibly from a proliferation perspective can only add to the unease. The United States of America will continue strongly to support adherence to the treaty on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and the treaty for the prohibition of nuclear weapons in Latin America. The world cannot afford the instability and potential for widespread destruction that would result from further proliferation.