New York - Today, the United States deposited its instrument of ratification for the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (Nuclear Terrorism Convention) at the United Nations in New York. The United States will be the 100th State Party to the Treaty and has now fulfilled a pledge made by President Obama at the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit.

The Convention represents a cornerstone of the global nuclear security and counter terrorism architecture by providing a legal basis for international cooperation in the investigation, prosecution, and extradition of those who commit offenses involving radioactive material or a nuclear device, or any device that may emit radiation or disperse radioactive material.

The United States thanks the multilateral organizations and initiatives, such as the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, for their efforts to promote adherence to the Convention.

U.S. ratification of the Nuclear Terrorism Convention further demonstrates our commitment to countering one of the most challenging and evolving threats to international security. The United States calls on all countries who share this commitment to become Parties to this Convention.

The United States knows that nuclear security efforts are never finished. As long as nuclear and radioactive materials exist, they require our utmost commitment to their protection, control, accounting, and disposition. That is why it is so important that nuclear security remains a high-priority for nations around the world. We look forward to our continued work to eliminate the threat of nuclear terrorism.