The IAEA Board of Governors started its meeting at the Agency's headquarters on 5 March 2012.
Director General Yukiya Amano opened the meeting with an introductory statement. Access the full text here.
During the speech and a later Press Conference, the Director General addressed some of the most pressing issues to the nuclear community:
Fukushima Daiichi
"The accident was caused by a huge earthquake and tsunami, but there were also human and managerial failings. These are being addressed in Japan, which has reorganised its nuclear regulatory system. We know what went wrong at Fukushima Daiichi. The right lessons are being learned."
Nuclear Safety
"Nuclear power is now safer than it was a year ago. But nuclear safety is something that must be worked at every day and we must never become complacent."
Implementation of Safeguards in Islamic Republic of Iran
"The Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of nuclear material declared by Iran under its Safeguards Agreement. But, as Iran is not providing the necessary cooperation, including by not implementing its Additional Protocol, the Agency is unable to provide credible assurance about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran, and therefore to conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is in peaceful activities.
"Regarding future steps, the Agency will continue to address the Iran nuclear issue through dialogue and in a constructive spirit. The basic objective is to resolve all outstanding issues, in particular those related to possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme, and restore confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities without further delay. Our whole approach will be focused on achieving that objective. I believe it is essential that our future work should follow a structured approach, based on Agency verification practice. The views of Member States are of vital importance in finding a solution."
Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
"The outcome of talks between the United States and North Korea, announced last week, represents an important step in the right direction. We are seeking further clarification about the result of those talks. The IAEA's inspectors have remained in a state of preparedness since being asked to leave North Korea in 2009. We are ready to return to Yongbyon if invited to do so, subject to the approval of the IAEA Board of Governors."
Implementation of NPT Safeguards Agreement in Syrian Arab Republic
"In response to my letter of November 2011 inviting Syria to address remaining outstanding issues regarding the full implementation of its safeguards agreement, I received a reply from Syria dated 20 February 2012, which asked for understanding of 'the difficult circumstances and the delicate situation that Syria is passing through'. The letter pledged that Syria would continue to cooperate with the Agency to resolve outstanding issues. The Agency continues to seek full access to other locations which the Agency believes are functionally related to the Dair Alzour site. I urge Syria to cooperate fully with the Agency in connection with unresolved issues related to the Dair Alzour site and other locations."
Board Discussions
During its meeting, Board discussions are expected on the Agency's activities related to nuclear, radiation, transport and waste safety, including the 2012 Nuclear Safety Review and implementation of the IAEA Action Plan on Nuclear Safety.
The Board will also discuss the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications, as well as nuclear verification.
The application of safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement and relevant provisions of UN Security Council resolutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic will also be on the agenda.