Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.  This afternoon, the Board of Governors appointed me for a second term.  This requires the approval by the General Conference to be held in September this year.  I am deeply grateful for the trust that the Board of Governors placed in me once again.  I regard this as the expression of support not only in me, but in the entire Secretariat.

As in my first term, I will be guided by the mandate of the IAEA.  That includes the peaceful use of nuclear technologies for health, for protection of environment, for food production and other issues.  The mandate also of course includes to help to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.  I will pursue these objectives in a balanced manner.  And in light of the economic difficulties that many countries are facing now, I will do my best to ensure the most effective management.

Challenges are many and huge, but it is a great privilege to serve as Director General of the IAEA.  I like my job, and I enjoy my job, and I’m very happy to do good in the world and to make a difference.

On this occasion, I would very much like to say that I very much value your work to pass the message to the world.  And in my second term too, I will be looking forward to meeting you as frequently as possible.