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GC-50

Conference Highlights: Monday, 18 September

General Conference Opens September 18 in Vienna
The 50th Annual Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference opened this week at the Austria Center in Vienna, Austria. High level delegates from the Agency's 140 Member States are attending the 5-day conference, which this year marks the beginning of activities commemorating the IAEA's 50th anniversary. The conference was officially opened with a guest performance from the Men's Choir of the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute.
President of the General Conference
The General Conference elected Abdul Samad Minty of South Africa as President of the 50th IAEA General Conference. Mr. Minty is Deputy Director General of the South African Department of Foreign Affairs. He succeeds Mr. Horacio Bazoberry Otero, Bolivia's Ambassador to Austria and Resident Representative to the IAEA. Read Mr. Minty's Curriculum Vitae

Opening Statements

Director General's Statement
Access to energy, safe nuclear power operations, and controlling the spread of sensitive nuclear technology are key issues facing the IAEA and international community, Director General Mohamed ElBaradei told some 1000 delegates at the opening of the General Conference in Vienna today. Story :: Director General's Statement
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Salutes IAEA
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan saluted the IAEA in a message to the Agency's General Conference this week. He commended the IAEA for advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and promoting economic development. The Secretary-General's message, delivered via video at the opening of the 50th IAEA General Conference, praised the safeguards system that has now been accepted by more than 100 States while pointing to multiple challenges before the IAEA. Read Statement
Austrian President's Address to the IAEA General Conference
Austrian President Heinz Fischer commended the IAEA for its significant contributions over the past half century, and said the Agency's role will become increasingly important in years to come, notably in efforts against nuclear proliferation. He further urged countries to continue their strong support for all three pillars of the IAEA's work - nuclear safety, safeguards, and technology. Read Statement

Messages to the General Conference

US President Bush Commends IAEA "Vital Role"
In a message to the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, US President George Bush commended the IAEA's "vital work" in expressing support for the Agency's "continued good work". Read Message » [pdf]
Message from Russia's President Vladimir Putin
In a message addressed to participants of the 50th General Conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the IAEA is sure "to make a significant contribution to the development of the peaceful utilization of atomic energy" to benefit "humankind's growing energy needs". Read Message » [pdf]
Message from the Prime Minister of India
In a message to the IAEA 50th General Conference, Indian Prime Minister Manhoman Singh commended the IAEA and its Director General for ensuring that the Agency "is an effective platform for the global community to work together in its noble mission of atoms for peace and prosperity". Read Message » [pdf]

More Announcements

New Members of the IAEA
The General Conference also approved the applications for IAEA membership of the Republics of Malawi, Montenegro, Mozambique and Palau. Membership takes effect once the required legal instruments are deposited with the Agency.
Marie Curie-Sklodowska Exhibit
On the ocassion of its 50th General Conference, Poland and France are donating to the IAEA a sculpture representing Marie Curie-Sklodowska, noted physicist who won the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics with her husband, Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel. The donation took place in the evening of the first day of the conference.
Make Power - Not War: Nobel Peace Prize Exhibit
A photographic exhibit, Make Power - Not War, featuring the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates - the IAEA and Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei - is on display in the lobby of the Austria Centre, throughout the week of the IAEA General Conference. Full Story »
Special Exhibit on Air, Earth and Ocean
The IAEA is featuring a special exhibition about its multi-faceted work for protecting the air, earth, and ocean through applications of nuclear science and technology. Director General Mohamed ElBaradei and Prince Albert II of Monaco are officially opening the event on 19 September during the IAEA 50th General Conference. Full Story »
International Nuclear Safety Group to Hold Forum
Global experts in nuclear safety are meeting at the IAEA 18 September, the day the Agency's General Conference opens in Vienna. The International Nuclear Safety Group (INSAG) includes top nuclear safety officials from 14 countries and organizations. Full Story »
Documents & Reports to the General Conference
The Provisional Agenda [pdf] of the General Conference is now available.

An online electronic listing is maintained of selected reports and information documents or excerpts from them, related to major items on the Provisional Agenda. Documents are added as they become available. See Documents »

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