They called on North Korea to "visibly, verifiably and irreversibly dismantle any nuclear weapons programme". The G8 leaders also said that they would "not ignore the proliferation implications of Iran’s advanced nuclear programme", which can best be addressed by Iran accepting more intrusive safeguards inspections under the Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to confirm its peaceful intentions. However, Russia’s announced resolve to tie fuel exports to Iran to the Additional Protocol now seems to be in some doubt.
The USA has ruled out any nuclear cooperation with Iran, as proposed by Russia, until Iran implements stronger safeguards recommended by the IAEA.
The latest report from the IAEA concluded that Iran has not violated any IAEA safeguards agreement to date. However, the report notes that there are numerous "open issues".
The G8 leaders also agreed on a science and technology action plan, including work on advanced nuclear energy technologies to encourage sustainable development. Tighter controls on radioisotope sources were also agreed on. The G8 leaders backed plans to track sources and cooperate on recovering orphan sources. There was also agreement to work on improving export controls, increasing physical protection, and ensuring safe disposal of spent radioactive sources.
US congressman Curt Weldon said that during a three-day visit to North Korea, he was told by North Korean officials that the country had nuclear weapon capability, and was trying to expand their nuclear production programme. The USA has turned down a North Korean request for bilateral talks, insisting that the only way forward is through multilateral negotiations.
However, South Korean president Roh Moo-Hyun said that despite Weldon’s comments, there was still no "clear proof" that North Korea possessed nuclear capabilities.
