International co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy

The international debate on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy both inside and outside the United Nations has focused on two main themes: (a) the link between the transfer of nuclear technology and the spread of nuclear weapons and (b) the benefits that can result from the peaceful applications of nuclear energy. The supplier countries have emphasized the linkage aspect and advocated strict policies on transfers of nuclear technology with a view to preventing the horizontal proliferation of nuclear weapons under the guise of peaceful endeavours. The recipient countries, which are mostly developing countries, have attached importance to unimpaired access to the peaceful applications of nuclear energy for their economic, technological and scientific advancement. For several years, efforts have been made to bridge those divergent views on the question.

Related Subject(s): Disarmament