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United Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Titus Mtelka, Director for Science and Technology:
He appealed to all Member States to ponder carefully the guidance provided on the formulation of appropriate strategies for increased peaceful applications of nuclear techniques and the control of nuclear weapons proliferation. He stressed that further development in basic sciences, including nuclear science and economic and social sciences, are necessary to address the fundamental needs of humanity particularly those that are required to ensure sustainable development. In this respect he underlined the importance of taking into account human values in development. He also said that Tanzania urgently needs the support and assistance for the acquisition, adoption and adaptation of appropriate nuclear techniques in order to promote development. He expressed his appreciation for the support that the IAEA continues to provide for the various projects in Agriculture, Health, Water and Industry that now form the base for improved nuclear technology utilization. He also expressed his appreciation for the IAEA s assistance in tsetse fly eradication projects on Tanzania Mainland after similar successful work on the Island of Zanzibar. In this respect he called upon countries in Africa and elsewhere to support every effort in eradicating the tsetse fly and noted that large-scale projects are being implemented. He also called upon the experts of SIT to continue more vigorously with their research in making the eradication technique more cost-effective and better applicable to the various tsetse species. He noted with appreciation IAEA s increased efforts to promote regional cooperation and collaborative ventures as a means to accelerate the acquisition and better utilization of nuclear technology for social and economic development. He also welcomed the fact that more funds are being made available to regional groupings like AFRA, ARCAL and RCA. He called upon the IAEA to resolve the issue that projects are assigned with respect to an appropriate infrastructure and that therefore less funds are being made available to least developed Member States, which have inadequate infrastructure. He also urged that technical assistance be funded through more predictable and assured sources. Further, he appealed for review of the matter that although the TCF is a legally-binding obligation, Member States contribute to it only voluntarily. He expressed concern on the issues of radiation protection and safety, illicit trafficking and trade in radiation sources and the dumping of radioactive waste and strongly supports the Agency s efforts in establishing a reliable database in this regard. He also stressed the importance of the control of nuclear weapons proliferation and noted that more effort is required with respect to nuclear disarmament. He reaffirmed his conviction that nuclear technology has a unique and central role to play in economic and social development, and that scientific education and training must be backed by advanced technology.
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