UN to adopt convention on nuke terrorism

The United Nations General Assembly is set to adopt a global convention aimed at preventing nuclear terrorism, official sources said.

The UN body will make possession of radioactive material or device, with the intention of causing death or serious injury or substantial damage to property, a crime.

After the 191-member assembly adopts the convention, it would be open for signature at the UN office in Geneva from September 14 to 31, 2006. It will go into effect 30 days after 22 states ratify it.

The treaty, which took seven years to negotiate, asks states to adopt national laws to make these acts criminal and provide for appropriate penalties for those convicted.

The assembly also expects to call on all member states to sign and ratify the 'International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism'.

While former Russian president Boris Yeltsin initiated work on the treaty, President Vladimir Putin is carrying forward the negotiations.