In the United States, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has outlined a plan to reduce the potential for a nuclear attack by terrorists.

Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida Tuesday, Kerry said, if elected, he would "lock up and safeguard nuclear weapons material so terrorists can never acquire it."

The Massachusetts senator also pledged to reduce existing nuclear weapons stockpiles, halt production of the materials used to make them and end nuclear weapons programs in nations such as North Korea and Iran.

Kerry promised to step up international efforts to stop the trafficking of nuclear materials and outlined a plan to name a Cabinet-level national coordinator to focus on nuclear terrorism and counter-proliferation.