42nd IAEA General Conference

Belgium, Ambassador Michel Adam:

Speaking first on non-proliferation, the delegate noted the importance Belgium attaches to the upcoming NPT Review Conference in April 2000, as well as to the role of the IAEA in the fight against nuclear arms proliferation. He noted the work of the Agency in monitoring highly enriched plutonium and uranium from weapons programmes of certain Member States, and expressed confidence that more Member States would sign the Additional Protocols. The Agency must remain attentive to possible abuse of other fissile materials, the delegate noted, and careful attention must also be paid to Member States which intentionally endanger peace and security around the globe. The delegate called for the Agency to make use of all means at its disposal to ensure the success of the NPT. He noted the DG’s proposals towards integration of safeguards systems, which would successfully bring the IAEA’s safeguards policy up to date. An integrated system like the one proposed will allow additional information on the nuclear profile of any given State, and will facilitate routine inspections. Here, the delegate noted the significance of the new proposals of the Secretariat towards concentrating its resources on truly essential aspects of safeguards. The delegate noted the conclusion of a successful meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the ensuing dialogue, but expressed reservations with regards to the peer review process. The Agency’s Extrabudgetary Programme on RBMK and VVER reactors was noted, and reference made to Belgium’s role in the PHARE / TACIS programmes to improve safety of nuclear installations in Central and Western Europe. Belgium also participates in an international co-operation group to assure the safe management of radioactive waste in the Russian Federation. Risk of contamination from orphan sources was noted as a danger, and the delegate called on the Agency to help ensure public and environmental safety. Speaking on energy policy, the delegate noted that Belgium’s NPPs generated 44 GWh - 2.7% less than in 1997 due to overhauling or replacement of steam generators. The Belgian parliament has adopted a law adapting the domestic electricity market to EU directives, and an expert group is analysing the energy structure with regard to general economics, demand and technology of production; the report will be completed in 2000. The new Belgian government plans to progressively terminate its nuclear energy programme, and will begin decommissioning its NPPs when they have reached 40 years of operations. Belgium maintains its interest in plutonium recycling and is active in developing programmes and factories for preparation of MOX fuel. Speaking on the nuclear fuel cycle, the delegate referred to his government’s intentions to continue to examine the options. Low-level waste disposal options are being reviewed, and it is hoped that by 2001 the results will make a decision possible. A major programme on medium- and high-level radioactive wastes is also under way.

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Belgium, Ambassador Michel Adam:



Speaking first on non-proliferation, the delegate noted the importance Belgium attaches to the upcoming NPT Review Conference in April 2000, as well as to the role of the IAEA in the fight against nuclear arms proliferation. He noted the work of the Agency in monitoring highly enriched plutonium and uranium from weapons programmes of certain Member States, and expressed confidence that more Member States would sign the Additional Protocols. The Agency must remain attentive to possible abuse of other fissile materials, the delegate noted, and careful attention must also be paid to Member States which intentionally endanger peace and security around the globe. The delegate called for the Agency to make use of all means at its disposal to ensure the success of the NPT. He noted the DG’s proposals towards integration of safeguards systems, which would successfully bring the IAEA’s safeguards policy up to date. An integrated system like the one proposed will allow additional information on the nuclear profile of any given State, and will facilitate routine inspections. Here, the delegate noted the significance of the new proposals of the Secretariat towards concentrating its resources on truly essential aspects of safeguards. The delegate noted the conclusion of a successful meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the ensuing dialogue, but expressed reservations with regards to the peer review process. The Agency’s Extrabudgetary Programme on RBMK and VVER reactors was noted, and reference made to Belgium’s role in the PHARE / TACIS programmes to improve safety of nuclear installations in Central and Western Europe. Belgium also participates in an international co-operation group to assure the safe management of radioactive waste in the Russian Federation. Risk of contamination from orphan sources was noted as a danger, and the delegate called on the Agency to help ensure public and environmental safety. Speaking on energy policy, the delegate noted that Belgium’s NPPs generated 44 GWh - 2.7% less than in 1997 due to overhauling or replacement of steam generators. The Belgian parliament has adopted a law adapting the domestic electricity market to EU directives, and an expert group is analysing the energy structure with regard to general economics, demand and technology of production; the report will be completed in 2000. The new Belgian government plans to progressively terminate its nuclear energy programme, and will begin decommissioning its NPPs when they have reached 40 years of operations. Belgium maintains its interest in plutonium recycling and is active in developing programmes and factories for preparation of MOX fuel. Speaking on the nuclear fuel cycle, the delegate referred to his government’s intentions to continue to examine the options. Low-level waste disposal options are being reviewed, and it is hoped that by 2001 the results will make a decision possible. A major programme on medium- and high-level radioactive wastes is also under way.