Vienna Chapter
Agenda Item 3: Medium Term Strategy
The Group of 77 and China takes this opportunity to revisit this issue
on Medium Term Strategy and thanks the Secretariat for preparing the
document (GOV/1999/69) and Director for External Relations and Policy
Coordination for introducing it.
The Group looks forward through the Medium Term Strategy to the
improvement of capacity building in developing Member States in order to
fully absorb the benefits of nuclear technology. The importance attached
to the acceleration and enlargement of the contribution of atomic energy
to peace, health and prosperity as enshrined in the Statute and reflected
in the vision of this document is welcome.
We endorse the priority assigned to the potential role of nuclear
energy in sustainable development and the emphasis on new and emerging
applications, such as small and medium size reactors for electricity
generation and heat production as well as for sea water desalination, in
conformity with resolution GC(43)/Res/15, as adopted by the 43rd session
of the General Conference. The Group is in favour of the priority attached
to the exchange of information and encourages the facilitation of the
exchange of experience and expertise for improvement of nuclear safety and
for the development of an effective worldwide safety culture.
As stated in the Board Meeting held in June 1999, the Group
appreciates the emphasis on the promotion of nuclear power as a climate -
friendly source of energy. In this connection the Group is happy to note
that reference has been made in this document to the ways of achieving the
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as adopted by the Kyoto Protocol. It
may be worthwhile for the Agency to be adequately represented at the
negotiations under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC).
Regarding the external synergies with other international
organizations and the private sector, we are glad to note that equal
access is extended to all Member States of the IAEA to any documentation
and information resulting from such co-operation. However, our concern
that the main priorities of the developing world may not be addressed by
organizations with limited memberships comprising developed nations is
still valid. We would appreciate it if our concern is adequately addressed
prior to undertaking any joint programme or partnership.
We reiterate the importance of establishing "Regional Resource
Centres" for the exchange of expertise among developing countries
under TCDC.
The Group of 77 and China raised in the June Board of Governors
meeting that the question of budget and resources needs to be addressed in
realistic manner. The T.C. funding has been an issue of great concern and
worry to our Group. The Group wishes that predictable and assured funding
for TC programme be duly emphasized among the goals of the Agency.
While it recognizes safeguards as one of the important activities of
the Agency, the Group reiterates its view that the delicate balance
between promotional and verificational activities should be maintained. We
also take note of the fact that the IAEA is the sole competent authority
to verify compliance according to relevant agreements undertaken by the
Member States.
Mr. Chairman, the Group has noted that the document at certain places
addresses specific projects whereas at other places talks of generalities
without elaborating what they are, and therefore it views that the
document is not exhaustive.
All these important aspects for the developing countries should be
duly taken into consideration for the Medium Term Strategy, which is to be
used initially as reference for the elaboration of the programme and
budget for the future years. The Group takes note of document GOV/1999/69
on the understanding that the Medium Term Strategy is a rolling document
and its present version is only a starting point for identifying and
prioritizing the activities of the Agency in the coming years, in
consultation with Member States.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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