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Statements
 Mexico:
The statement
reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to the peaceful uses
of nuclear energy and to non-proliferation instruments and objectives,
and its support for the three pillars of the Agency’s work. Concerns
were expressed over the level of funding for Agency technical cooperation
programmes, which bring valuable benefits to developing countries.
In Mexico, projects have been successfully implemented in support
of the campaign to eradicate the screwworm from the Caribbean; and
to develop radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment; and to apply
apply radiation technologies for sterilization of tissues. Nuclear
techniques also are being applied in the study and preservation
of historical artifacts. Regarding radiation and nuclear safety,
steps have been taken within the framework of an IAEA’s Project
to strengthen the management of radioactive wastes. The Laguna Verde
nuclear plant has increased its production and now provides about
4% of the country’s total electricity. A recent IAEA regulatory
review mission provided valuable assistance, as did a series of
seminars at the plant.
 Guatemala:
The statement
emphasized the importance of nonproliferation and disarmament issues
to the country, and the need to accelerate and sustain progress
for global peace and security. It particularly noted the growth
of nuclear-weapon-free zones since the pioneering Tlatelolco Treaty
established such a zone in the Latin American region. Such arrangements
enable the wider use of peaceful nuclear technologies, and the country
has benefited greatly from nuclear applications in fields of medicine,
industry, energy exploration, and agriculture. Guatemala specifically
applies isotope techniques for geothermal energy exploration. Cooperation
through the regional ARCAL arrangement was singled out as exemplary
and yielding positive results throughout the region in areas of
training, improvement of safety infrastructures, medical applications,
crop production and plant breeding, pest control, and various other
areas.
 Colombia:
The country has placed increasing emphasis on improving its nuclear
and radiation safety infrastructure since its atomic energy institute
was disbanded in 1997 for economic reasons. Legislation has been
drafted on nuclear safety and radiological protection, and the Ministry
of Mines and Energy has been restructured to carry responsibilities
for nuclear and waste policies and programmes. Particular attention
is devoted to the safe management of radiation sources, including
some 300 sources of radium-226, and a national management plan is
being drawn up with the IAEA’s support and guidance. Legislative
procedures have been initiated for Colombia’s ratification of two
safety conventions, the one on early notification of a nuclear accident
and the other on emergency assistance in the case of a radiological
emergency. The country is also completing the legal process for
concluding an NPT safeguards agreement with the IAEA.
 Argentina:
In commending the Agency’s programmes of work, Argentina registered
concern about financing safeguards activities. A periodic evaluation
system is needed for safeguards financing, and real integration
of the safeguards system must be attained to control costs and ensure
efficient and effective operations. In supporting this Agency pillar,
Brazil, Argentina, and ABACC have initiated informal contacts with
the IAEA on a future Protocol Additional to the Quadrapartite Agreement
for the application of safeguards. Argentina’s nuclear programme
has seen progress over the past year, including with the development
of a new type of fuel with favourable performance and economic characteristics,
and the steps toward completion of the Atucha-II power plant. Advances
also were made in fields of medicine, and in the production of cobalt-60
for industrial uses. Also noted were the contributions of regional
cooperation through the ARCAL arrangement, over which Argentina
will preside beginning this month, and bilateral cooperation with
Bulgaria on peaceful nuclear applications and with Australia for
construction of a research reactor. On matters of safety, Argentina
recently ratified the Joint Convention on the safety of spent fuel
and radioactive waste management, and it will host in December this
year an IAEA conference on the safety of radiation sources and security
of radioactive materials designed for regulators. The country further
attaches high priority to the safety of transporting radioactive
material and to the safety of research reactors.
 Chile:
The statement
noted Chile’s co-sponsorship with Peru of a regional seminar in
2001 on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in cooperation with
the regional UN centre. It further cited key items on the General
Conference of interest to the country, including the financing of
technical cooperation, the financing of safeguards, and measures
for strengthening international cooperation in nuclear, radiation,
and waste safety –including the safety of radioactive material transport
and radioactive waste management – and strengthening of technical
cooperation. The country places high priority on safety and serves
as the regional administrative center for radioactive waste management,
including the provision of training. Jointly with Argentina, Brazil,
Mexico, and Peru, Chile has presented to the IAEA a project proposal
for the biennium on investigations of alternative methods for storage
of reactor fuel. The country supports greater participation in and
funding of the technical cooperation programme, and commends the
Agency’s new strategy and approach, and also values the positive
results achieved through the regional ARCAL arrangement, over which
it presided the past year.
 Brazil:
Brazil considers nuclear safety fundamental for the promotion of
nuclear energy before public opinion, thus ensuring a high degree
of acceptance of the many peaceful uses of the atom. In commending
the Agency’s work, Brazil expressed appreciation for the prompt
response to a request for a technical evaluation relative to nuclear
waste at the Angra-1 power plant; recommendations were highly useful
towards improving management of the wastes. The start of operations
at Angra-II was noted and the plant already is generating electricity
at more than 80% of capacity; progress also has been recorded in
developing the nuclear fuel cycle on an industrial scale, including
the start of uranium extraction activities. In line with national
nuclear policy, Brazil has created decentralized national nuclear
research centres in several regions of the country. The country
also has made improvements in the quality and quantity of radiopharmaceutical
production, doubling domestic capacity since 1995. Brazil, Argentina,
and ABACC have initiated informal contacts with the IAEA on a future
Protocol Additional to the Quadrapartite Agreement for the application
of safeguards.
 Saudi
Arabia:
The country commended the Agency for its management reforms and
underscored the importance of technical cooperation for the peaceful
uses of nuclear energy in developing countries. Saudi Arabia has
hosted two regional seminars recently, one of non-destructive testing
and another on the production of radiopharmaceuticals for health
care. Regarding verification, the statement noted the progress being
achieved through the Trilateral Initiative for the IAEA verification
of ex-military materials, and continued interest in achieving a
ban on the production of fissile material. Citing the outcome of
the NPT Review Conference, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its view on the
establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East and
the necessity of having all States in the region accept full-scope
safeguards on all their nuclear facilities. The country welcomed
the IAEA Director General’s efforts and initiatives in this connection.
Saudi Arabia took issue with the Agency’s activities relative to
nuclear power development in the context of sustainable development,
being of the view that fossil fuels should not be painted in negative
light nor should they be "taxed" so as to make nuclear energy more
competitive in the energy marketplace. Differences of opinion exist
on these issues but rising energy demands worldwide require objective
assessments of all available resources.
 Bulgaria:
The country is engaged in a wide variety of safety-related activities,
many of them supported by the IAEA. The Agency’s assistance has
been beneficial for upgrading safety levels at the country’s nuclear
facilities, including the Kozloduy nuclear plant, and for strengthening
the capabilities of the national safety authority. Construction
of a radioactive waste facility is progressing, with completion
targeted in 2001. Plans call for decommissioning the Kozloduy units
one and two by the end of 2002. Earlier this year, the country adopted
legislation for ratifying the Joint Convention on the safety of
spent fuel and radioactive waste management. Regarding verification,
the statement noted that Bulgaria’s Parliament today ratified the
Additional Protocol for strengthened safeguards with the Agency.
 Croatia:
Regional cooperation in waste management is of special interest,
as Croatia is co-owner of the Krsko nuclear plant, which is located
on Slovenian territory. The plant operates without major problems
at a high safety level. Croatia assigns high priority to international
cooperation in all fields, and has hosted and participated in major
regional meetings on the nuclear power option and related safety
topics; further meetings are planned. An upcoming visit of IAEA
experts will help to frame the basis for more technical cooperation
projects in Croatia, which hopes for good results in the fields
of waste management, radiation protection, nuclear medicine and
nuclear power. Croatia has harmonized its legislation on safety
and regulation of nuclear energy with IAEA standards and norms.
 Zambia:
The country is making considerable progress in its application of
peaceful nuclear technologies. It is now able to produce its own
sterilized tissue grafts for medical uses, and is engaged in research
in areas of crop production and plant breeding to produce improved
varieties of beans and other crops. The Agency’s support also has
enabled the country to initiate measurements of industrial aerosols
and radon in underground mining operations. Future interests include
applications in pest control, notably against the tsetse fly and
the malaria mosquito. Benefits also have been realized through the
regional AFRA arrangement, including for the conditioning of radium
sources for their safe management.
 Myanmar:
The country highly values the Agency’s technical cooperation programme,
particularly in fields of medicine, agriculture and industry, and
is active in regional cooperative arrangements. Of special interest
is assistance to achieve greater self-reliance and national expertise
in the applications of nuclear technologies, and the country appreciated
a recent regional seminar organized by the IAEA in Malaysia. Regarding
verification, Myanmar places high priority on the establishment
of nuclear-weapon-free zones, and was among the first members to
sign the Bangkok Treaty. On matters of safety, the country is nearing
completion of regulations for the safe use of nuclear and radiation
technologies, within the framework of the IAEA’s Model Project to
strengthen national infrastructures.
 Denmark:
The country does not support the nuclear power option in the context
of sustainable development, and considers that spent fuel and high-level
waste remain unresolved problems. The Agency’s assistance in these
and other areas to countries of central and eastern Europe is of
particular interest to Denmark. The country is of the view that
technical cooperation should mainly focus on safety-related projects,
and urges the further strengthening of the nuclear safety and liability
regimes. Regarding verification, Denmark is implementing its obligations
under the Additional Protocol for strengthened safeguards, and supports
efforts to ensure that exported nuclear materials are not diverted
for military purposes.
 Thailand:
The country is preparing a report on the radiological accident that
it experienced and will share its findings with other States through
the IAEA. It welcomed efforts to strengthen the radiation safety
regime and underlined the importance of global cooperation, extending
appreciation to Japan and the IAEA for assistance rendered in response
to the accident. The statement further addressed issues related
to illicit trafficking and the safety and security of radioactive
materials, urging that this complex topic be dealt with separately
through its safety and nonproliferation aspects. The country’s leading
role was noted in the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone
in the Southeast Asian region, as was the initiation of discussions
with the IAEA on possible areas of cooperation relative to the zone’s
implementation.
 Lebanon:
The statement
expressed support for technology transfer activities and urged donor
countries to increase their financial support to the technical cooperation
fund. Projects in areas of environmental protection are of special
interest to Lebanon, which is actively engaged in a variety of technical
cooperation and research projects. Assistance has been requested
with respect to a Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory to improve
national capabilities in this field.
 Turkey:
While the country is interested in the nuclear power, plans see
it as a near term option over the next decade. Economic reasons
have influenced previous plans. Turkey will contribute to studies
on small and medium sized reactors, as well as those for innovative
reactor technologies. Regarding research reactors, Turkey is actively
promoting closer cooperation between the world’s nuclear research
centres. In areas of safety, the country has benefited from IAEA
assistance in the field of emergency planning and preparedness,
and highly values the safety programme. It welcomed the establishment
of peer review teams, the completion of a safety guide on radiation
protection of patients, and the initiation of a transport safety
appraisal service, which Turkey will seek to take advantage of to
evaluate its national transport regulations and infrastructure.
Regarding verification, Turkey has signed the Additional Protocol
and is now taking steps toward ratification.
 Norway:
The statement
expressed strong support for the Agency’s safety pillar, and concern
for the safety situation facing the Russian Federation. Norway is
working closely with a number of countries to establish a multilateral
framework for assistance to nuclear safety projects in Russia through
a multilateral environment programme. It also is actively participating
in the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, where future
work will focus on environmental surveillance and gaining new knowledge
on the impact of radioactive contamination. Regarding verification,
Norway’s Additional Protocol for strengthened safeguards entered
into force earlier this year. The country emphasized its interest
in seeing nuclear-weapon States place fissile material released
from military programmes under international verification arrangements
in the interests of reducing the risk of proliferation.
 New
Zealand:
The country expressed concern over the marine transport of radioactive
materials in the South Pacific, and has been joined by other countries
in the region in voicing the concerns to transporting States. It
is sponsoring a resolution at the General Conference on this topic,
to improve safety of such transport and to promote universal application
of the highest safety standards. Regarding verification, the country
has called for the Conference of Disarmament in Geneva to establish
a subsidiary body to deal with nuclear disarmament, to resume negotiations
on the treaty banning fissile material production, and to consider
other relevant issues.
 Greece:
High priority is attached to nuclear safety issues, particularly
with respect to the safety of ageing nuclear power plants and the
decommissioning of nuclear facilities. Greece welcomed efforts by
the IAEA in areas of radiation safety and earlier this year notified
the Agency of its ratification of the Joint Convention on the safety
of spent fuel and radioactive waste management. The country has
set up a national radiation monitoring network, and four of the
25 stations now also monitor radioactivity levels in water. The
Agency’s assistance to Greece in setting up a Secondary Standards
Dosimetry Laboratory was appreciated. Regarding nonproliferation
issues, the country welcomes the Agency’s database capabilities
for monitoring cases of illicit trafficking, but noted that the
best way to prevent cases is through strong national programmes
of detection and control. Greece actively supports IAEA efforts
toward these aims through various mechanisms.
Ghana:
Technical cooperation projects and research programmes have considerably
benefited the country’s application of nuclear technologies for
developmental goals and upgrade living conditions in the country.
IAEA-supported work has helped achieve results in controlling the
tsetse fly in northern Ghana; improving research on plantains and
banana crops; and upgrading the efficiency and effectiveness of
the national radiotherapy centre, where three IAEA-trained Ghana
oncologists started work this year. The country’s research reactor
is also yielding results in the multi-elemental analysis of industrial,
geological, and agricultural samples, and the Ghana Radiation Protection
Board has become an important training center for African scientific
fellows.
 Latvia:
The country has made preparations for significant changes in its
radiation safety infrastructure, with the Parliament having accepted
for consideration a framework law expected to be in force early
next year. The assistance of the IAEA Legal Division was appreciated
in this work. Support and guidance also was received from neighbouring
countries, including Sweden and Denmark, and plans are to set up
a radiation safety centre in the country. Latvia also recently submitted
its ratification of the Joint Convention on safety of spent fuel
and radioactive waste management and is moving to sign the Additional
Protocol for strengthened safeguards. Amendments to national laws
further have been made to enable ratification of the Convention
on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the Protocol amending
the Vienna Convention on Nuclear Liability. Cooperation with Nordic
countries has been fruitful, particularly for the prevention of
illicit trafficking. Of particular immediate concern is the decommissioning
of the country’s research reactor, which involves the management
of spent fuel and the issue of its return to the Russian Federation.
The country appealed for a resolution to its problem and cooperation
by Russia regarding the spent fuel.
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After
a day and a half of presentations on the realities surrounding radioactive
waste management, the concluding panel at the IAEA Scientific Forum
looked to the future to try and answer the question: "Where do we
go from here?" The answer appears not so simple, given the national
approaches involved and the rising international dimensions of waste
issues. Clear was that a "holistic approach" covering all types
of wastes was needed to resolve outstanding problems. Technology
cannot be considered in isolation from the societal concerns, if
progress is to be made. But where are we now? Building a process
to bring together those on all sides -- technical, political, societal
-- is a daunting task and, in many countries, the right "interfaces"
have yet to be found. Panelists agreed that the process of building
consensus is best driven in the national context. No two countries
are alike, and what works in one may not work in all. Involvement
of the many "publics" interested in radioactive waste management
must begin early in the process so that technological solutions
are acceptable to the broad range of groups in civil society.