42nd IAEA General Conference

Bulgaria, Dr. Gueorgui Kastchiev, Head of the Delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria:

As a party to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), he noted that Bulgaria believes that full implementation of all its provisions will contribute to international security and calls for the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which it ratified September 10, 1999. The delegate called on other states to become party to the CTBT and noted that his country would attend the October Article XIV Conference. He urged the Conference on Disarmament to begin negotiation without delay on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. Turning to safeguards, he reiterated his country’s commitment to a strengthened safeguards system and welcomed growing international co-operation and IAEA efforts to prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and other radioactive sources. He noted that, as a member of the Zanger Committee and the Nuclear Supplies Group, Bulgaria recognizes that the right to develop research, production, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes (Article IV of NPT) must be exercised in conjunction with non-proliferation obligations set out in Article I and II of the NPT. He noted that it is a matter of concern that the DPRK continues its non-compliance with the IAEA/DPRK safeguard agreement and stated that Bulgaria joins to the appeal of other delegations to the DPRK to co-operate with the IAEA and fulfill its obligations. Turning to nuclear safety, the delegate noted that the findings and recommendations in the Final Report of the Extrabudgetary Programme on Safety of WWER and RBMK nuclear power plants is of significant interest to his country as an operator of WWER reactors. He expressed appreciation the Department of Nuclear Safety and the Steering Committee their work in implementing this programme and noted that the recommendations of the International Conference on Strengthening of Nuclear Safety in Eastern Europe was important. The delegate expressed appreciation for the Agency’s Technical Co-operation activities, particularly projects relating to strengthening the capabilities of the Bulgarian Nuclear Safety Authority, uranium mining, improved safety of the Hovi Han repository, and the use of electron beam technology in purifying flue gases. He noted the usefulness of IAEA assistance to Member States regarding Year 2000 issues. Turning to the Agency’s budget for the Year 2000, Bulgaria supports the budget as proposed, despite fiscal difficulties. The delegate announced that the voluntary contribution to the Technical Co-operation Fund will be at the recommended amount and that Bulgaria has reimbursed 8% of the amount of technical assistance received. He noted that this month marked the 25th anniversary of the first nuclear power unit and described the achievements during this time. He noted that later this year, the new State Agency on Atomic Energy will be established and that draft legislation is being developed to ensure this is a strong, independent, competent regulatory body. This legislation will comply with all international conventions to which Bulgaria is a signatory and should facilitate preparation for Bulgaria’s membership in the European Union. The delegate reported that preparatory work has begun with IAEA for the Additional Protocol and the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management.

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Bulgaria, Dr. Gueorgui Kastchiev, Head of the Delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria:



As a party to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), he noted that Bulgaria believes that full implementation of all its provisions will contribute to international security and calls for the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which it ratified September 10, 1999. The delegate called on other states to become party to the CTBT and noted that his country would attend the October Article XIV Conference. He urged the Conference on Disarmament to begin negotiation without delay on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. Turning to safeguards, he reiterated his country’s commitment to a strengthened safeguards system and welcomed growing international co-operation and IAEA efforts to prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and other radioactive sources. He noted that, as a member of the Zanger Committee and the Nuclear Supplies Group, Bulgaria recognizes that the right to develop research, production, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes (Article IV of NPT) must be exercised in conjunction with non-proliferation obligations set out in Article I and II of the NPT. He noted that it is a matter of concern that the DPRK continues its non-compliance with the IAEA/DPRK safeguard agreement and stated that Bulgaria joins to the appeal of other delegations to the DPRK to co-operate with the IAEA and fulfill its obligations. Turning to nuclear safety, the delegate noted that the findings and recommendations in the Final Report of the Extrabudgetary Programme on Safety of WWER and RBMK nuclear power plants is of significant interest to his country as an operator of WWER reactors. He expressed appreciation the Department of Nuclear Safety and the Steering Committee their work in implementing this programme and noted that the recommendations of the International Conference on Strengthening of Nuclear Safety in Eastern Europe was important. The delegate expressed appreciation for the Agency’s Technical Co-operation activities, particularly projects relating to strengthening the capabilities of the Bulgarian Nuclear Safety Authority, uranium mining, improved safety of the Hovi Han repository, and the use of electron beam technology in purifying flue gases. He noted the usefulness of IAEA assistance to Member States regarding Year 2000 issues. Turning to the Agency’s budget for the Year 2000, Bulgaria supports the budget as proposed, despite fiscal difficulties. The delegate announced that the voluntary contribution to the Technical Co-operation Fund will be at the recommended amount and that Bulgaria has reimbursed 8% of the amount of technical assistance received. He noted that this month marked the 25th anniversary of the first nuclear power unit and described the achievements during this time. He noted that later this year, the new State Agency on Atomic Energy will be established and that draft legislation is being developed to ensure this is a strong, independent, competent regulatory body. This legislation will comply with all international conventions to which Bulgaria is a signatory and should facilitate preparation for Bulgaria’s membership in the European Union. The delegate reported that preparatory work has begun with IAEA for the Additional Protocol and the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management.