You are invited to a briefing on the occasion of the launch of an IISS Strategic Dossier, 'Nuclear Black Markets: Pakistan, A.Q. Khan and the rise of proliferation networks'.
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
09:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.
Venue:
National Press Club
Murrow, White, and Lisagor Rooms
529 Fourteenth Street NW
Thirteenth Floor
Washington DC
The Dossier is a reference text for governments, international
organisations, academics and media worldwide on the state of knowledge
about illicit nuclear technology and material trafficking over the past
four decades. Complimentary copies will be issued only to attendees of the
launch.
The Dossier provides a compelling history of the most famous of these
networks: the global enterprise run by Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer
Khan. The technology that Khan and his associates sold to North Korea and
Iran sparked crises that continue to threaten international security. Among
other mysteries, the Dossier explores the question of whether A.Q. Khan
sold North Korea and Iran the weapons designs that he sold to Libya and
apparently offered to Iraq.
The Dossier details how Pakistan developed a nuclear weapons capability
in ten years after Khan brought stolen technology for the enrichment of
uranium from the Netherlands. Though the Pakistani government put Khan out
of business and reformed its nuclear command and control mechanisms, many consider the case not yet closed.
The Dossier collates what is known about other illicit procurement
programmes, some of which remain in existence. It concludes with a menu of
options for policies and actions that states and international
organisations could adopt to prevent nuclear black markets in the future.
Mark Fitzpatrick, IISS Senior Fellow for Non-proliferation and former
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Non-proliferation, will make
remarks, then take questions. Adam Ward, IISS-US Executive Director, will
moderate. Both will be available by advance request for individual
interviews following the briefing.
RSVP required for admission, to IISS-Washington@
to 202 659 1490.
THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES - US
1850 K STREET NW, SUITE 300, WASHINGTON DC 20006
IISS-WASHINGTON@
