PM Erdoğan callas for nuke-free world for more security for all

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday said a nuclear-free world would bring more security for all nations around the world. Speaking at the Nuclear Security Summit hosted by US President Barack Obama in Washington, the biggest gathering of world leaders led by an American president since the end of World War II, Erdogan reiterated Turkey's firm support for efforts to ensure a nuclear-free world. Turkey's argument that problems associated with nuclear programs can be resolved through dialogue, engagement and diplomacy is still valid, Erdogan said, adding that the right of every country to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes should be assured. The gap between civilizations will grow wider if joint action is not taken against nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction, and international terrorism, Erdogan underlined. The first and crucial step to eradicate the possibility of nuclear terrorism is to step up efforts for nuclear demilitarization and minimize the role of nuclear weapons in national security policies, Erdogan said. Stressing that the need for answers to help relax the global community in all areas, including nuclear energy and nuclear arms, cannot be postponed, Erdogan said, "All approaches at odds with justice, equality and fairness play important roles in exacerbating enmity and division among the peoples of the world." In opening remarks at the summit, Obama warned that nuclear terrorism poses the greatest threat to global security, urging action to keep nuclear-grade material out of the hands of extremists. "Today, we are declaring that nuclear terrorism is one of the most challenging threats to international security," said Obama. "We also agreed that the most effective way to prevent terrorists and criminals from acquiring nuclear materials is through strong nuclear security – protecting nuclear materials and preventing nuclear smuggling."