The Algerian authorities have informed the IAEA that it has become a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) by depositing its instrument of accession yesterday in Washington, London and Moscow.
In welcoming the announcement, IAEA Director General Hans Blix said this was a further significant and positive development, coming shortly before the Conference that will consider the Treaty's extension this spring. He added that it would also add impetus to efforts to declare the whole of Africa as a nuclear weapon-free zone.
Algeria's accession brings the current total of States party to the NPT to 168.
Normal procedure foresees the conclusion by States joining the NPT of a comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA permitting inspection of relevant nuclear materials. IAEA inspectors have, however, already been able to inspect Algeria's two nuclear research reactors under procedures agreed with Algerian authorities.