Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1)   (a) and (b) DFAT (including ASNO) draws on a range of sources of information to monitor closely developments relating to Burma's alleged nuclear activities. This activity is ongoing.

(2)   (a) The IAEA is continuing its efforts to strengthen safeguards in Burma including by urging Burma to bring into force a modified Small Quantities Protocol (Mod-SQP) and an Additional Protocol (AP) at the earliest opportunity.

(b) The Government will continue to discuss with Burmese authorities, other States and the IAEA how to strengthen safeguards in Burma (including conclusion of a Mod-SQP and an AP) and the allegations of a nuclear weapons program.

(3)   Australia has called on the Burmese Government to be transparent about any nuclear activities, to abide by its obligations under the NPT, and to declare all of its nuclear facilities and material (including conclusion of a Mod-SQP and an AP). Australia is a prominent advocate in Vienna, and elsewhere, of strengthened safeguards and the need to ensure that the IAEA has the necessary capabilities to evaluate and act on safeguards issues of concern.