Rudd calls for greater nukes transparency in Israel

Media Statement, 14 December 2010: The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) Australia has today welcomed statements made by Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd that Israel must demonstrate greater transparency by allowing international inspectors into its nuclear facilities.

“Given Israeli officials have finally confirmed that Israel has nuclear weapons, it is time to allow the international community, through IAEA inspectors, to view its nuclear arsenal,” said ICAN spokesperson Dr Bill Williams.

“It is disingenuous of Israel to claim that as they are not a signatory to the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty they should not be bound to international scrutiny. Nuclear weapons are far too important to be hidden from full public scrutiny.”

“Kevin Rudd is right – despite its shortcomings, allowing IAEA inspectors would constitute a first essential step towards Israel showing transparency in its weapons program.”

“The next step toward removing this unacceptable existential threat to humanity would be for Israel and the rest of the world to sign on to an international treaty to abolish nuclear weapons.”