United Nations: The United States and Russia have called for measures to keep nuclear weapons and materials out of the hands of terrorists and strengthening nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and safeguards to prevent spread of atomic weapons.

Accusing North Korea and Iran of using NPT to produce nuclear weapons, US Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham stressed on the need for strong international action to ensure that countries do not use guise of NPT to develop atomic arms.

The non-proliferation regime's weakness becomes "woefully apparent" when a state joins NPT, professes peaceful intention, then abuses treaty by using it as a cover to build up its nuclear weapon capability and then abrogates the treaty.

Russian Atomic Energy Minister Alexander Rumyantsev emphasised on the need for the international community to determine what to do with the vast amount of nuclear waste or spent fuel whose stockpiles are increasing at the rate of 10,000 tonnes a year. Already the world has a stockpile of more than 200,000 tonnes," he said.

Abraham and Rumyantsev made the remarks while addressing the General Assembly's disarmament committee on the occasion of 50th anniversary of former American President Dwight D Eisenhower's "atom for peace" initiative.

Asked about suggestion of International Atomic Energy Agency Chief Mohamed Elbaradei that all facilities capable of producing nuclear weapon grade material be brought under international safeguards, Abraham was non-committal but he said it was worth studying.

He also commended Elbaradei for coming forth with a new approach.

The countries, which can enrich and reprocess the spent fuel, should be monitored carefully to ensure that they meet commitments undertaken under NPT.

Rumyantsev suggested construction of major international centres to deal with spent fuel.

On Iran, Abraham said the United States would closely watch whether Tehran carries out its obligations under the treaty.

PTI