El Baradei says atom security needed in Pakistan

VIENNA, 13 Jan—The chief of the UN nuclear watchdog sees a need to improve nuclear security in Pakistan and wherever there is atomic activity, an aide said on Thursday. Pakistan rejected on Wednesday published remarks by International Atomic Energy Agency Director Mohamed El Baradei that its nucleararsenal could fall into the hands of Islamist militants. It called the comments unwarranted and irresponsible. In a statement, IAEA spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said the Vienna-based agency’s core mission was to monitor closely situations that could undermine nuclear safety and security.

“Dr ElBaradei’s expression of concern aboutthe possible ramifications of political violence and extremism in the Middle East region and nuclear security in Pakistan is intended to call attention

to the need to bolster nuclear safety and security measures not only in Pakistan but also everywhere in the world where nuclear materials or facilities exist,” she said.—