STRELNA, July 16 (RIA Novosti) - Leaders of the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations intend to implement additional measures to ensure reliable access to low-enriched uranium for use in nuclear power plants in line with non-proliferation obligations, the leaders said in a joint statement.

"We reaffirm the objective set out in the 2004 G8 Action Plan on Non-Proliferation to allow reliable access of all countries to nuclear energy on a competitive basis, consistent with non-proliferation commitment and standards," the statement on global energy security adopted at the St. Petersburg G8 summit said.

The G8 action plan on non-proliferation, adopted by leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, United Kingdom, and the United States on June 9 2004, outlines measures and activities designed to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation and the acquisition of nuclear materials and technology by terrorists, while allowing the world to enjoy the benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

"Building on that plan, we intend to make additional joint efforts to ensure reliable access to low enriched uranium for power reactor fuel and spent fuel recycling, including, as appropriate, through a multilateral mechanisms provided that the countries adhere to all relevant international non-proliferation commitments and comply with their obligations," the joint statement said.

"In this respect, we take note of recent potentially complementary initiatives put forward in the IAEA framework regarding multilateral fuel supply assurances, as well as the proposals made by Russia and the U.S., aimed at further development of peaceful nuclear energy, in a manner that promotes proliferation resistance of the nuclear fuel cycle, including preventing the spread of sensitive nuclear technologies," the G8 document said.