20/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 20 September, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton welcomed the signing by the Myanmar authorities on 17 September of the additional protocol on application of safeguards in connection with the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Ashton “is encouraged by Myanmar's commitment to provide broader access to the IAEA to verify the peaceful use of all nuclear material in the country”, said her spokesperson, stating that Ashton believes that this is “yet another step in Myanmar's full re-integration in the international community”. Myanmar is suspected of having pursued military and nuclear cooperation with North Korea for several years during the military junta, which came to an end in 2011. (CG/transl.fl)