A four-day meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors concluded Thursday, 4 March with discussions on issues related to nuclear verification and review of IAEA reports on its full range of activities.
The Board commended the Agency´s dedication and commitment to strengthening the global nuclear safety and security regime and to promote the nuclear safety culture worldwide. Also, the Board noted with satisfaction that the Nuclear Safety Review for 2009 indicated that a high level of safety performance had been maintained worldwide.
They expressed concern regarding the continued occurrence of denials and delays of shipment of radioactive material. States were urged to commit themselves to reducing delays and denials to an insignificant level by 2013, and to provide adequate resources to this end, as recommended by the Committee. Some members encouraged continued dialogue between costal and shipping States on transport safety matters.
Concerning the Agency´s activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications, the Board expressed its appreciation for the Agency´s efforts in strengthening its activities related to nuclear science, technology and nuclear power and non-power applications in a manner that promoted the Millennium Development Goals.
Several members noted with appreciation the newly established Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review service (INIR) providing integrated advice to countries considering the introduction of nuclear power programmes. Several members commended the Agency´s long-standing cooperation with the FAO and supported the activities carried out by the Joint FAO/IAEA Division.
Support was also expressed for the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) as one of the Agency´s priorities and Member States were invited to help ensure sufficient resources for the Programme. Several members welcomed the establishment of the WHO/IAEA Joint Programme on Cancer Control.
Reports by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano on the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement and Relevant Provisions of Security Council Resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008) and 1835 (2008) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and on the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic, were also discussed. Mr. Amano´s opening statement addressed nuclear energy, nuclear safety and security, cancer control, nuclear verification and safeguards, as well as management and budget issues.
The next Board of Governors meeting will be held 7 June 2010.