Fact Sheet The White House, Office of the Press Secretary Evian, France June 2, 2003 Countering the "Dirty Bomb" ThreatPresidential Action
Today, President Bush and the other G-8 Leaders endorsed a plan to reduce the threat of “dirty bombs” by preventing terrorist access to radioactive sources.
The "Dirty Bomb" Threat: There is growing concern that terrorists or the states which support them could acquire radioactive sources to construct "dirty bombs." Detonation of a "dirty bomb" could harm civilians and result in severe economic costs. Reducing the vulnerability of radioactive sources requires enhanced efforts to track and secure national inventories, as well as expanded international cooperation to identify, manage, and safeguard sources world-wide.
G-8 Action on Radioactive Source Security: G-8 Leaders launched today a new initiative to increase the security of radioactive sources. They are major holders and exporters of these sources, and must work to ensure their security and prevent misuse.
The G-8 will:
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