42nd IAEA General Conference

Holy See, Rev. Monsignor Dominique Rézeau:

The delegate remarked that the Agency will face many challenges in the future, particularly in furthering a safeguarded world, based on mutual trust and confidence among nations. Security and safeguards were noted to be of particular concern to the Holy See, as illicit trafficking of nuclear materials creates a fear of clandestine weapons production, which is not conducive to fostering trust and confidence. Recalling that Holy See had signed and ratified the comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and the Additional Protocol to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the delegate expressed hope that adherence to and implementation of these instruments would eventually lead to world-wide nuclear disarmament. Turning to the supply of potable water, the speaker noted that under existing conditions, by 2050, less than 50% of the world population would have access to potable water. Stating that it was of vital importance to provide potable water for all, the delegate welcomed the efforts and initiatives of the Agency and its Member States to solve the problem of fresh water shortages, through use of isotope hydrology and nuclear technology to desalinate sea water. The delegate expressed full support for the Draft Resolution submitted by India on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, noting access to potable water is a prerequisite to sustainable development. Continuing with sustainable development, the speaker commended the Agency’s Technical Co-operation activities as effective in furthering the goal of achieving a balance between natural and human ecology.

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Holy See, Rev. Monsignor Dominique Rézeau:



The delegate remarked that the Agency will face many challenges in the future, particularly in furthering a safeguarded world, based on mutual trust and confidence among nations. Security and safeguards were noted to be of particular concern to the Holy See, as illicit trafficking of nuclear materials creates a fear of clandestine weapons production, which is not conducive to fostering trust and confidence. Recalling that Holy See had signed and ratified the comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and the Additional Protocol to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the delegate expressed hope that adherence to and implementation of these instruments would eventually lead to world-wide nuclear disarmament. Turning to the supply of potable water, the speaker noted that under existing conditions, by 2050, less than 50% of the world population would have access to potable water. Stating that it was of vital importance to provide potable water for all, the delegate welcomed the efforts and initiatives of the Agency and its Member States to solve the problem of fresh water shortages, through use of isotope hydrology and nuclear technology to desalinate sea water. The delegate expressed full support for the Draft Resolution submitted by India on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, noting access to potable water is a prerequisite to sustainable development. Continuing with sustainable development, the speaker commended the Agency’s Technical Co-operation activities as effective in furthering the goal of achieving a balance between natural and human ecology.