Updates

Statement of Support by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism

For Immediate ReleaseOffice of the Press Secretary July 15, 2006   “The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the reality of nuclear terrorism pose a deadly threat to the United States and the world. To strengthen our collective capacity to prevent and protect against this threat, President Bush and President Putin have launched the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism.  Our nations are expanding the global fight against nuclear terrorism by enhancing the international community’s ability to detect nuclear materials and radiological substances. The Global Initiative will also assist in preventing the illicit trafficking of these materials, as well as potential hostile actions against nuclear facilities.     It is important that we look beyond our immediate borders in our continued fight against terrorism.  The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for assessing the vulnerabilities of the nation’s security threats and takes the lead in coordinating with other federal, state, local, and private entities to ensure the most effective response.  In furtherance of those responsibilities, we are adopting this Global Initiative, which adds to our current layered approach of deterrence and response while improving our capabilities as well as those of our international partners to search for, seize, and establish safe control over unlawfully held material.   DHS will be working closely with the State Department in the coming months as this new initiative unfolds.”