Bulgaria to cooperate on non-proliferation

WASHINGTON, June 19 (UPI) -- Bulgaria has signed an agreement to have radiation detection equipment installed in an initiative with the United States to prevent nuclear proliferation.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Interior and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration signed a cooperation agreement that outlines a plan to enhance Bulgaria's prevention of the smuggling of nuclear and radiological materials, the NNSA reported.

Bulgaria has worked with the United States on nuclear non-proliferation for the last several years. Under the new deal, the NNSA will install the latest advanced radiation detection technologies at crucial international transit locations in the country.

"NNSA is committed to detecting and deterring attempts to smuggle nuclear materials or devices into the United States or other countries around the world," William Tobey, NNSA deputy administrator for defense nuclear non-proliferation, said in a statement.

"Our agreement with Bulgaria is another opportunity to build upon our international partnerships to detect illicit nuclear activity, regardless of origin or destination."

Additionally, Bulgarian officials and the U.S. Defense Department's Defense Threat Reduction Agency agreed to strengthen cooperation on preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction, among other security initiatives.