Russian Press Briefing
At a press conference called by the Russian Federation in advance of today’s morning session, Mr. Evgueny Adamov, Russia’s Minister for Atomic Energy, responded to questions about Russia’s nuclear plans and policies. See this morning’s GC Digest for more details, as well as a wrap up of statements from the resumption of the General Debate.

At the press briefing, Mr. Adamov noted that the long term objective is to erect a strong barrier between peaceful nuclear energy technology and weapons technology. In the short term, however, the country’s commitments to decreasing plutonium stockpiles meant that approaches must be considered which are affordable. Fabrication of mixed-oxide fuel (MOX) using plutonium and uranium is not part of the Russian Federation’s energy policy. But in view of the amounts of plutonium to be disposed of, it represents an alternative, he said, either by selling the fuel or modifying existing thermal reactors to burn MOX fuel. Future research and development on reactor technology will hopefully sever this link for good, by closing the fuel cycle and developing reactors which do not produce plutonium. Also see the Mr. Adamov’s statement earlier this week to the IAEA General Conference.

General Debate
During the plenary session and General Debate this morning, twelve countries presented statements. Selected points follow:

Netherlands: The country considers that the most important development in the nuclear field this year was the successful outcome of the NPT Review Conference. It shares the Agency’s concern about the pace of progress among States in concluding Additional Protocols for strengthened safeguards with the IAEA, being of the view that a reinforced and integrated safeguards system is quintessential for effective and credible safeguards and a solid foundation for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. The Netherlands hopes to see an expansion of the IAEA’s role in the verification of ex-military nuclear material in cooperation with nuclear-weapon States and welcomes the Trilateral Initiative with Russia and the USA. Nuclear energy is not a major energy source in the country, with only the Borselle plant in operation until the end of 2003. Studies were done on decommissioning the plant and the government recently concluded that the best option would be to postpone decommissioning for sometime within the next 50 years. Nuclear fuel cycle activities continue to form an important element of the country’s economy, including uranium enrichment and a fifth separation plant was opened earlier this year at the Almelo site.

Nigeria: The country welcomes the Agency’s Model Project for upgrading radiation protection infrastructures and is making arrangements to participate in it. Nuclear applications of special interest to Nigeria include those in agriculture, medicine, water resources development, environmental and food monitoring, and occupational radiation protection. Nigeria calls upon the IAEA to initiate research on the possible application of the sterile insect technique for control of the malaria mosquito, and for support in strengthening indigenous capabilities in the field of radiotherapy and in applying nuclear techniques for helping countries to locate abandoned landmines that pose a threat to men, women, and children in more than 60 countries. Regarding verification, Nigeria recently signed the Pelindaba Treaty establishing the African nuclear weapon free zone, and in early June this year concluded the Additional Protocol with the IAEA for strengthened safeguards.

India: The statement opened with a message from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who noted that the country’s nuclear power programme has expanded over the past year with the commissioning of two new nuclear reactors. The message stressed the importance of the IAEA’s work, particularly in promoting technological capabilities among its Member States. The statement presented an overview of India’s nuclear programme and underscored the important role that nuclear power can play to achieve energy, environmental, and developmental goals. In that context, India would like to see the Agency’s programme include the role of innovative nuclear reactors and fuel cycles for sustainable development, and it welcomed the initiative of Russian President Putin for an international project under IAEA auspices in light of the projected rapid growth of energy demand in developing countries. The statement noted that India has put forward a new mechanism for international cooperation on the development of innovative technology that could be great benefit for countries interested in jointly pursuing research and development. India has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the IAEA for cooperation relating to the Agency’s regional and interregional training courses, within the technical cooperation framework. The agreement marks an important milestone and normalizes a longstanding Indian offer to make the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre a centre of excellence and Regional Resource Unit. Regarding safety and safeguards, India considers these activities important and necessary, though they should support efforts to enlarge and accelerate the contribution of peaceful nuclear technologies and not overshadow them.

Switzerland: The statement was made also on behalf of Liechtenstein. IAEA efforts were applauded in the field of radioactive waste management, notably with respect to strengthening international consensus. Switzerland has conducted investigations for geological disposal and long-term storage of waste, though political opposition is being met and the Swiss population remains divided on the nuclear issue, though the nuclear option continues to receive wide support as an option that should be left open. Safety measures have been reviewed and strengthened for radioactive material transport, in the aftermath of a contamination incident in 1999. Switzerland has ratified the Joint Convention on spent fuel and radioactive waste management, underscoring its commitment to binding international obligations.

Lithuania: In May this year, the Parliament enacted legislation to decommission unit 1 of the Ignalina nuclaer plant by the year 2005; decommissioning activities are being supported by the IAEA through a technical assistance project, and by the European Union. The government is developing an Action Plan for the national energy strategy that will address new electricity capacity, including potential nuclear energy plants. Lithuania welcomes the Agency’s plans to create a task force on innovative reactors and fuel cycles, and is interested in applications of small and medium sized reactors. Significant progress has been made in the country through IAEA-supported projects related to managment of radiation sources, nuclear medicine, and training of nuclear staff. Regarding verification, Lithuania ratified its Additional Protocol for strengthened safeguards earlier this year. It has further benefited from IAEA assistance in the physical protection of nuclear material.

Pakistan: The statement expressed appreciation for Agency safety review missions at the Chashma nuclear plant, which is now operational and operating at full power during its test phase. Pakistan also attaches importance to activities related to the development and management of water resources, and the country has set up an isotope hydrology laboratory to support a variety of investigations. Other areas of importance are agriculture and crop production, and human health. Isotopic and radiation techniques have helped to improve cotton and wheat production, and national research institutes have developed and released 35 varieties of cash crops for different regions of the country. The government also has set up 12 medical centres that provide nuclear medicine services. Regarding verification, Pakistan has declared a moratorium on nuclear testing and is seeking to build a national consensus on adherence to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Kuwait: The statement expressed support for the IAEA’s efforts for improving the capabilities of States in emergency planning and preparedness, which required close cooperation internationally. Regarding verification, Kuwait underscored the urgency of resolving issues for the application of safeguards in the Middle East in all States and on all nuclear facilities, and in maintaining progress toward establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the region. It further emphasized the importance of the Agency’s mandate in Iraq and the resumption of its verification work there.

Slovakia: The country has updated its national energy plan, in which nuclear energy continues to play a big role in the medium term. An extensive safety upgrading programme at the Mochovce nuclear plant has been undertaken with the assistance of the IAEA and European Union. Other activities extend to nuclear waste treatment facilities, particularly for storage of spent fuel. Slovakia welcomes Agency initiatives for strengthening radiation safety and the security of radioactive materials, and has a number of safety-related projects supported by the IAEA. Regarding nuclear applications in other fields, the country is engaged in a highly important project for the production of radionuclides for medical purposes, under which training is being conducted by Agency experts.

Peru: The country extended appreciation for the IAEA Director General’s visit in October 1999, which contributed greatly to strengthening relations and raising awareness of the importance of international cooperation in the nuclear field. One outcome was the Agency’s pledged support for a joint Peru-Ecuador project for development of border regions. A bilateral project has been initiated for improving medical diagnostic and treatment services in two provinces of the countries. Regarding verification, Peru expressed its commitment to non-proliferation and strengthened IAEA safeguards, having concluded its Additional Protocol earlier this year. It is interested in organizing a regional seminar to promote adherence to the Additional Protocol in 2001 in cooperation with the regional UN centre and the IAEA. The country further supports the call for an international conference on nuclear-weapon-free-zones proposed in the framework of the "Lima Appeal". Concern was expressed over the limited resources for IAEA technical cooperation and technology transfer activities, which have benefited Peru in many ways. One example has been advances realized in production of barley and other grains through a Joint FAO/IAEA project that has enabled cultivation of 100,000 hectares in the Andean region for the nutritional benefit of the population there. Peru reaffirmed its commitment to nuclear and radiation safety, and expressed its support of a Chilean initiative for a regional seminar on the implications of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in 2001.

Iraq: The statement reaffirmed Iraq’s position relative to Agency nuclear inspections under mandate of the UN Security Council, calling them politically motivated. Iraq maintains that it has met its obligations under relevant resolutions but that the Security Council has not carried out its obligations relative to lifting the economic embargo that is hurting the country’s citizens. It further appealed for full resumption of technical assistance from the Agency, and noted that there is a need for environmental radiation monitoring near the destroyed Tuwaitha site, as well as in areas where depleted uranium missiles fell on the country. As a longstanding member of the Agency, Iraq seeks normal relations with the IAEA and appealed to States for their support. The statement further recalled the outcome of the NPT Review Conference with respect to the application of IAEA safeguards in the Middle East in all States and on all nuclear facilities, and the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region.

Malaysia: The country appreciates the Agency’s assistance in exploring mechanisms for implementing the Bangkok Treaty, which extends to nuclear and radiological safety as well as nuclear safeguards in the Southeast Asian region. It further noted the important goal of creating a nuclear-weapon-free-zone in Central Asia and reaffirmed its view on the universal adherence to the NPT and the importance of strengthened international safeguards. The country further places high priority on technology transfer activities, and recently hosted an Agency seminar on strategies and approaches towards self reliance and sustainability of national nuclear institutes that was attended by 21 Member States.

Canada: The country has implemented a new nuclear safety and control act, which among other changes transformed the existing regulatory board into the new Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Canada believes that the Convention of the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material should be strengthened by extending its coverage to include the physical protection of nuclear material in domestic use, storage and transit. The country recently committed 5 million Canadian dollars for the development of an international training and demonstration facility for nuclear fuel management and waste disposal. The facility will be based at Canada’s underground research laboratory at Lac du Bonnet in Manitoba and is expected to stimulate further international collaboration and research. Regarding verification, Canada’s Additional Protocol for strengthened safeguards entered into force 8 September 2000.