Kazakhstan activity in nuclear nonproliferation, export control, and dual-use technologies
clearly demonstrate its commitment to non-proliferation regime: shutting down Semipalatinsk Test Site, 1991; establishing nuclear weapons free zone in Central Asia; conversion of research reactors to low enriched uranium fuel, establishing IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank.
Kazakhstan as a country that has signed Nonproliferation Treaty, IAEA Safeguards Agreement, Additional Protocol, and a number of other international agreements that determine its place in the international nuclear community, should, like other countries, present and confirm "national guarantees" that include: compliance with IAEA safeguards, efficient accounting and control of nuclear material; physical protection of nuclear material and facilities; export control, secure transportation, and others. The reliable functioning of all these components allows Kazakhstan to declare its further commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. Kazakhstan, as the unique country that voluntarily renounced the nuclear arsenal inherited from the Soviet Union, which was world’s fourth largest arsenal at the time, might be a good example for the world community.
The article is devoted to Kazakhstan’s ability to monitor the use of nuclear technologies and dual-use commodities and technologies for peaceful purposes.
Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan started to develop its nuclear security infrastructure. Significant efforts were undertaken through international cooperative programs. Export control in the country, which is the world’s largest producer of uranium, is pursued through licensing, industry outreach, and enforcement. Being the NSG member since 2002, Kazakhstan follows its guidelines for nuclear and nuclear-related export. One of the key elements of efficient export control is well-posed identification of commodities and dual-use technologies.
Implementation of Kazakhstani policy in nonproliferation, export control, use and control of nuclear technologies through international cooperative programs helps Kazakhstan to build the efficient nuclear security infrastructure, and as a consequence, to increase the efficiency of nonproliferation and export control in the world.
