U.S. to Boost Radiation Detection Aid to South Korea

An agreement signed yesterday calls for increased U.S. support for South Korea's efforts to combat the illegal trafficking of nuclear materials, the National Nuclear Security Administration announced (see GSN, Oct. 1, 2008).

Under the new memorandum of understanding, the U.S. nuclear agency would collaborate with Korean Customs on fielding radiation detection technology and "associated infrastructure" at additional terminals at the Port of Busan, according to a press release.
The agreement builds on earlier cargo security efforts begun by the U.S. Energy and Homeland Security departments with Korean Customs. The latest project would be carried out under the NNSA Second Line of Defense program's Megaports Initiative, which supports foreign governments' efforts to prevent and catch smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive substances through seaports.
"The Megaports Agreement signed today strengthens the United States' and the Republic of Korea’s joint commitment to the safety and security of our nations," U.S. Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman said in a statement. "The Megaports Initiative is a critical part of NNSA's efforts ... to secure vulnerable nuclear material and keep it out of the hands of terrorists, smugglers and proliferators. The success of this program is due in no small part to the continued and future cooperation and support from partners such as the Republic of Korea" (U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, Sept. 16).