Contribution to
development of new and strengthened WMD non-proliferation regimes such as the
BWCand
FMCT.

Milestone
F1

Provision of effective technical support and advice to
Australias negotiations for a protocol to strengthen the BWC.

Activities

ASNO continued to provide technical support to DFAT in
efforts to negotiate a Protocol to strengthen the BWC. The compliance and verification aspects of
the rolling text were analysed by Dr Kylie Brown and the findings presented as
part of ASNOs integrated training program in July 2000. ASNO participated in the National
Consultative Group and Interdepartmental Committee meetings, and commenced
examination of the potential impact of the Chairmans Text on facilities in
Australia. ASNO continues to develop a
network of contacts with relevant agencies in preparation for eventual entry
into force of the Protocol.

Performance Assessment

The Department continues to value ASNOs input towards
strengthening the BWC and preparing for eventual implementation, and agreed to
fund an additional part-time position in ASNO for continuation of this
work. This position will be reviewed in
early 2002.

Milestone
F2

Effective contribution to national and international
discussions on a possible Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).

Activities

Effective and cost-efficient verification will be
fundamental to the FMCT regime. An
important part of preparation for FMCT negotiations, therefore, is the
development of verification concepts to help guide the negotiations to a
successful outcome. This is a task of
high priority for ASNO.

Since 1995 ASNO has been developing a focused approach,
under which verification would be concentrated on enrichment and reprocessing
plants, and on separated plutonium and HEU (high enriched uranium) (see pages
73-75 of ASNOs 1999-2000 Annual Report). During the year ASNO further developed, and presented at various
international fora, new ideas on basic verification aspects of the FMCTincluding, inter alia,
routine and non-routine verification activities, managed access, verification
against possible undeclared production activities, and challenge inspection
mechanisms. Dr Bragin was an
invited panellist in the Geneva Workshop on the FMCT in May 2001 co-sponsored
by Australia and Japan.

ASNO has provided assistance to DFAT's International
Security Division in the formulation of advice on FMCT for the Australian
Delegation in the CD and Australian posts in key capitals, also taking every
opportunity during bilateral consultations to promote Australian concepts for
an FMCT. Other activities have included
publications, presentation of conference papers, and participation in
international seminars.

Performance Assessment

ASNOs ideas on a focused FMCT verification regime were
presented at several international seminars and conferences where they were
well received. ASNO is generally
regarded by those engaged in FMCT matters to be at the forefront in the
development of practical and effective verification concepts.

ISDvalues
ASNO input towards the development of verification arrangements for the FMCT.