All countries should join global disarmament efforts: G8

All countries, particularly those possessing nuclear weapons, should join disarmament efforts to promote global stability and undiminished security, a powerful grouping of eight developed nations said today.

In a joint declaration after hectic deliberations, the G8 countries said the group was committed to a safer world for all and to create conditions for a world without nuclear weapons, in accordance with the goals of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

"We call upon all other states, in particular those possessing nuclear weapons, to join these disarmament efforts, in order to promote international stability and undiminished security for all," the joint declaration said, apparently referring to countries like India, Pakistan and Israel.

"We cannot be complacent about the grave threat posed to the security of present and future generations by the proliferation of nuclear weapons. We therefore welcome the outcome of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference," it said, adding "and will pursue the follow on actions it recommended by consensus."

The US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada and Russia are members of the G-8. 

The joint declaration also expressed concern over the possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of non-state actors like Taliban and al-Qaeda.

"We face a new era of threats from non-state actors, particularly terrorists, who seek to acquire weapons of mass destruction and related technology and materials. The consequences of failing to prevent this could be severe," it warned.

"We reaffirm our commitment to work together for our shared security, including fulfilment of the commitments we made at the Washington Nuclear Security Summit, especially to work cooperatively to secure all vulnerable nuclear material in four years," it added.

The declaration also urged all states to take and support resolute action to address non-compliance with the Treaty's non-proliferation obligations, including safeguards obligations.

"We call upon states that have not yet done so to conclude a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, together with an Additional Protocol, which will become the new universally accepted standard for the verification of peaceful uses of nuclear energy," he added.