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Turner, Nunn, Unveil Nuclear Threat Initiative
Abstract:
On 8 January 2001, CNN founder Ted Turner and former US Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA) formally unveiled plans for a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization that will focus on safeguarding nuclear weapons and fissile materials in the former Soviet Union, the Washington Post reported. Turner said that he would give $250 million over the next five years to the so-called Nuclear Threat Initiative, adding that he views nuclear weapons as "the greatest threat humanity faces" in the short term. Although he personally favors the "complete elimination of all weapons of mass destruction," Turner said the Nuclear Threat Initiative will pursue "pragmatic and effective" steps to reduce the threat presented by nuclear weapons, rather than focusing on their elimination. An immediate focus of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, said Turner, would be to assist in the consolidation of fissile materials in the former Soviet Union so they can be adequately safeguarded. "There is tremendous vulnerability to theft and terrorism and illegal sales, Nunn said, adding that Russian weapons scientists are in great demand by terrorist groups, but "don't know how to feed their families." Nunn said the organization would seek to bolster US government programs aimed at addressing these threats, primarily by serving as a "catalyst." Two foreign proliferation specialists have agreed to join the board of the new nonprofit, former Swedish Ambassador and head of UNSCOM, Rolf Ekeus, and former Russian First Deputy Defense Minister and current Duma Deputy Andrey Kokoshin.
Abstract Number : 20010020
Headline: Turner, Nunn, Unveil Nuclear Threat Initiative
Date: 9 January 2001
Bibliography: Washington Post, 9 January 2001, p. A18
Author: Vernon Loeb
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