G8 warn of global nuclear arms threat

THE Group of Eight leading industrial nations urged North Korea and Iran yesterday to curb their nuclear programmes and branded weapons of mass destruction (WMD) the leading threat to world stability.

In a statement issued at a summit in France, G8 leaders said the spread of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, along with terrorism, was "the pre-eminent threat to international security".

The world community had to use arms inspections, export controls "and if necessary other measures in accordance with international law" to tackle the threat, the declaration said in an oblique reference to the possible use of force.