?

This is an important day for efforts to strengthen nuclear security around the world.

One hundred and two countries have now deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

This means that the Amendment will finally enter into force on 8 May.

It will help reduce the risk of a terrorist attack involving nuclear material, which could have catastrophic consequences.

The Amendment makes it legally binding for countries to protect nuclear facilities, as well as nuclear material in domestic use, storage and transport.

?It will also increase international cooperation in locating and recovering stolen or smuggled nuclear material.

The IAEA has worked hard in the last few years to encourage countries to adhere to the Amendment. Our efforts have now paid off.

The entry into force of the Amendment demonstrates the determination of the international community to act together to strengthen nuclear security globally.

I urge all countries to adhere to this important legal instrument.

Universal implementation of the amended Convention will help to ensure that nuclear material throughout the world is properly protected against malicious acts by terrorists.