Vienna Chapter
Mr. Chairman,
The G-77 and China takes note of document GOV/2002/10, which contains
a report on the Agency's current work and suggested activities to prevent
and mitigate possible acts of nuclear terrorism. Recognizing the
importance of such work, the Group would like to express its continued
determination to cooperate with the IAEA and the world community in their
efforts to adopt effective measures for protection against any threat of
nuclear terrorism.
2. Having said that, the Group is glad to note that there is general
agreement on the need to analyse the new proposed activities in depth. In
the Group's view, the additional proposed activities should follow a
strong rationale that confirms their relevance, and entail practical and
cost-effective proposals. They should be acceptable to Member States in
terms of their national policies, technical potential and availability of
financial resources.
3. The G-77 and China further stresses the importance of the
principle that the primary responsibility for the security and safety of
nuclear and other radioactive materials rests entirely on the Member
States themselves. Thus, the role of the Agency in these areas should be
to provide assistance to Member States upon their request.
4. In this respect, the G-77 and China is convinced that if the
proposed new activities are to enjoy the maximum endorsement by a wide
range of Member States, it is essential that due care is given to the
preservation of the sovereignty of Member States. The Group thus strongly
suggests that the Agency implements the additional approved activities
taking into consideration the confidentiality of the information relevant
for security purposes.
5. The G-77 and China also considers essential the understanding
contained in paragraph 4 of document GOV/2002/10 to the effect that the
proposed activities for protection against nuclear terrorism should not
interfere with the established priorities of the Technical Cooperation
Program. In line with the principles established in INFCIRC/267, such
priorities are to be defined by recipient Member States according to their
national interests and socio-economic development plans.
6. On the financing of the proposed activities, the Group reiterates
its view that it should be voluntary and extra-budgetary. In this context,
the Group believes that the proposals contained in document GOV/2002/10
deserve careful analysis, in view of the need to maintain an adequate
balance among the promotional and other statutory activities of the
Agency.
7. Moreover, given the financial constraints currently faced by the
Agency, the Group feels the need of a very careful selection of the
activities, their priorities, practicalities and resource allocation. The
Group is of the opinion that more emphasis is required on sharing the
responsibilities by the Member States themselves. Thus, self-assessment by
the Member States of their capabilities and measures needed to face the
threat would be extremely helpful. In case the Member States feel they
need the Agency's help as a result of the self-assessment, they can
request such assistance. The Group is confident that most Member States do
have the capability to undertake the self-assessment exercises and
institute the remedial measures.
Mr. Chairman,
8. Having carefully considered the additional proposed activities,
the Group believes that it is still possible to consolidate the
activities, so as to avoid certain duplications, which appear to have
similarities and also to re-examine the activities that require
considerable financial resources while having a limited potential for
desired outcomes. The Group also stresses that some priorities need to be
readjusted. Maximum emphasis is required on training activities, transfer
of knowledge and technology and enhancing the emergency preparedness
capabilities of Member States. The Group feels that advisory missions,
development of new and exhaustive manuals and similar activities should
have lower rankings in the proposals.
Mr. Chairman,
9. The Group is deeply concerned about the high level of proposed
funding without identifying a well-justified mechanism to implement the
additional proposed activities. The G-77 and China would like to receive
information about the different options for an administrative structure
for the implementation of the additional approved activities. It is also
worthy to note that the integration of these activities with any other key
activities will be counterproductive. It may be helpful to reiterate the
fact that the Agency should implement all its activities in an equal and
balanced manner, in line with its Statute. At the same time, the Group
stresses that any financial modalities to implement those activities
should in no manner affect the financing of any other programs of the
Agency, particularly the Technical Cooperation Program, which is of
primary importance to developing countries. The Group would also like to
receive information on the modalities of the proposed expenditures, which
are still unknown. A particular point of consideration in this regard is
the heavy component of equipment upgrades and procurement. In this
connection the Group requests the Agency to elaborate the performance
indicators, evaluation reports on a regular basis in order that Member
States are able to assess progress in the implementation of the approved
activities. This can be a useful guidance for Member States to determine
the Agency's future funding estimates.
10. Finally, Mr. Chairman, the Group would like to be kept informed
on the findings and recommendations reached by the recently constituted
Advisory Group on Nuclear Security (AdSec) by the DG to impart large
benefits to the Member States. Thank you.
Mr. Chairman,
The G-77 and China recognizes the continuing efforts by the
Secretariat to establish appropriate safety standards, to improve the
security of radiation sources and to promote a global safety culture. It
reiterates its support for the expansion of Model Projects for upgrading
radiation protection infrastructure.
2. In line with the Group's interest in education and training as
tools to support sustainable development, the Group requests the agency to
provide long-term commitments and to continue to support the long-term
training courses in radiation protection conducted in its Member States,
such as Argentina, India, Malaysia, Morocco, South Africa and Syria
leading to post graduate diplomas as contained in document GC.Res.45/10c.
3. The Group welcomes the convening of a conference on Safety Culture
in Nuclear Installations, to be held in Brazil in December 2002, which
will provide operators and regulators from Member States with a useful
opportunity to exchange experiences in that important field.
4. In relation to the safe transport of radioactive materials, the
Group shares the international concern on the risks for human health and
the ecosystems of transit States associated with international maritime
transport of radioactive materials.
5. There are still many issues to be clarified by the international
community regarding the safe transport of radioactive materials, such as
the possible definition of applicable liability mechanisms in case of
accidents that could affect human health and the environment and produce
economic loss. In this context the Group welcomes the convening of an
International Conference on the Safety of Transport of Radioactive
Material in 2003, which we expect will cover all issues related to
radioactive material transport safety.
6. The Group strongly supports international efforts to improve the
safety regulations of transport of radioactive material and to promote
adherence to IAEA regulations as a fundamental means of reducing the risks
of accidents and their consequences to human health and the environment of
transit States.
7. The Group would also like to highlight its interest in the
measures that will be suggested to overcome the challenge of integrating
the safety standards with the application mechanisms, namely assistance,
advice and appraisal services, education and training, information
exchange, research and development facilities and sharing of knowledge and
experience in all areas related to the Agency's safety standards and
guides.
Mr. Chairman,
1. The G-77 and China recognizes the importance of good coordination
and appropriate integration of arrangements to respond effectively to
nuclear and radiological emergencies and therefore welcomes document
GOV/2002/5 and its annex.
2. In this respect the Group believes that the cooperation between
the Agency and the international modal transport organizations should be
enhanced, so as to promote compliance with these safety requirements and
its corresponding future safety guides amongst modal transport operators.
3. In addition, the G-77 and China regrets the limited participation
of experts from developing countries in the Committees and in the
Commission in charge of reviewing and endorsing the Agency's safety
standards. This handicap could be alleviated if the Agency allocates more
resources to secure funding to finance the attendance of a more equitable
number of experts from such countries.
Mr. Chairman,
The Group of 77 and China would like to thank the Secretariat for the
preparation of document GOV/2002/6 and encourages the Secretariat to
continue assisting Member States to strengthen their response capabilities
to nuclear and radiological emergencies and well as fostering more Member
States to adhere to the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear
Accident and to the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear
Accident or Radiological Emergency.
2. The G-77 and China would also like to appeal to Member States
which are in a position to do so to contribute to the extra-budgetary
projects suggested to upgrade the Emergency Response Center (ERC) and its
web page as well as to support the Emergency Response Network (ERNET)
related activities. However, in view of the importance of the statutory
functions exercised by the ERC and given the growing dependence within the
Agency on extra-budgetary funds, the Group requests the Secretariat to
make further efforts to identify funding resources from the regular budget
to finance the upgrading of the ERC.
3. With these remarks the G-77 and China approves the actions
suggested in paragraph 25 of document GOV/2002/6.
Mr. Chairman,
1. The G- 77 and China is highly appreciative of document GOV/2002/7,
which contains the Nuclear Technology Review 2002 and presents a fair
picture of nuclear technology. The new look at nuclear technology from the
point of view of innovation is a welcome approach that helps broaden the
vision of planners and decision-makers.
2. In Part II, Nuclear Power, Fuel cycle, and Waste Management, there
is up-to-date information on the status of nuclear power development in
the world. Part II has comprehensively covered all general topics relating
to the global nuclear energy scene and can therefore be considered as a
very useful source of information. However, the coverage of the
relationship between the international nuclear status and the Agency's
activities could be further improved by resorting to more data and
information.
3. The information compiled in Part II gives hope to those developing
Member States which are convinced that nuclear power has an important role
to play in the energy mix for their future economic planning. In this
sense, it is encouraging to note that the new energy policies in some of
the countries with large nuclear programs are more supportive of nuclear
power. Similarly, it is heartening to note that policy reviews in the
European Union could prove more open to nuclear power. Such a positive and
open outlook towards nuclear power is very helpful to many developing
countries that need more electricity for the expansion of their economies.
4. Bearing in mind progress achieved in addressing nuclear waste
management issues, the Agency should intensify its efforts to convince the
world community of the role played by nuclear power in sustainable
development, particularly the contribution of nuclear sciences and
technologies to the progress of Agenda 21. In this sense, the Group
strongly believes that the Agency should continue to play a proactive role
in the major international events connected with the climate change debate
considering the role of nuclear power in the reduction of green-gas
emissions. With the rate of economic growth exceeding the rate of
electricity offer globally, nuclear generation will remain an important
component of the base load supply power.
5. Moreover, the Group believes that nuclear energy has two
contributions to make to global efforts to expand freshwater resources.
First, there are the applications of isotopes in hydrology, using the
naturally imparted 'isotopic fingerprints' of water to rapidly provide
hydrological information for large areas. Second, for many developing
countries there is also the potential of nuclear-powered desalination of
seawater. Scientific research has made significant progress in both areas.
The Group thus calls upon the Secretariat to continue its efforts in
assisting Member States to make use of this progress in order to prepare
adequate answers to the growing scarcity of freshwater in the world,
particularly in developing countries.
Mr. Chairman,
6. The Nuclear Technology Review has highlighted the following
important facts: - at the end of 2001 there were 440 nuclear power plants
in operation in the world corresponding to a total capacity of 353 GW(e),
about 16% of global electricity generation; - only two new NPPs have been
connected to the grid in 2001; - life extension of operating nuclear power
reactors in some countries like the USA and Canada has been implemented; -
most new NPP constructions has taken place in Asia; - it seems likely that
nuclear energy shall make an important long-term contribution to the
supply of electricity worldwide.
7. All in all, long-term energy scenarios (up to 2100) are generally
more sanguine about nuclear power. However, given the public concerns
about safety and waste, the Group therefore attaches great importance to
Agency's public information programme addressing those concerns about
safety, waste management and proliferation.
8. In relation to Part IV.2 of NTR, the Group emphasises that the
issue of landmines is of great importance for some developing countries
which are plagued by landmines left over from armed conflicts. In this
connection the Group would appreciate to receive more information on the
new techniques currently being developed by the Agency.
9. In the same vein, technological innovation will also be an
important solution and it is expected that the Agency, as the sole global
intergovernmental organization for the promotion of the peaceful uses of
nuclear energy coordinate all relevant activities for developing more
cost-effective and safer nuclear power plants. Hence, the Group endorses
the Agency's efforts to launch the IAEA's International Project on
Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO). During the first year
of the implementation of the project, it has elicited interest among
Member States for development of innovative, cost effective, proliferation
and sabotage resistant and environmentally friendly nuclear power
technologies. This will encourage more developing countries to join the
project. Moreover, innovative developments in design on the small and
medium size reactors make them an attractive proposition for developing
countries.
10. Since the Chernobyl accident, fortunately, the safety record of
nuclear power plants has to a large extent been quite satisfactory, thanks
to the ongoing technical discussion of the issue.
11. In the same vein, the Group requests the Agency to increase
collaboration with other international mechanisms, including the WANO, to
facilitate the comprehensive exchange on operational safety experience.
12. With these comments the G-77 and China takes note of the draft
Nuclear Technology Review 2002 and reiterates its support to the
Secretariat in its continuing efforts to assist Member States in all
aspects of nuclear technology, including power generation.
Mr. Chairman,
1. The Group of 77 and China thanks the Secretariat for the
preparation of document GOV/2002/3 on Planning for the Program and Budget
for 2004-2005, which presents a revised version of the initial document.
The Group appreciates the fact that the revised document takes into
account several of its comments. The Group would also like to recall its
position as stated in the letter sent to Mr. D. Waller on 31/1/2002.
2. Document GOV/2002/3 reflects a relevant effort by the Secretariat
to define the work of the Agency in line with the results-based approach
and the objectives included in the Medium-Term Strategy for 2001-2005,
besides some new issues that have recently raised the interest of Member
States. In this context, the Group reaffirms its view that programs should
be crafted in response to real needs of Member States, especially the
developing countries, and conducted in pursuit of specific results, in
line with the objective of promoting socio-economic development in Member
States.
3. The Group recalls that the projects and activities to be
undertaken by the Technical Cooperation Program should respond to the
interests and needs of recipient Member States, in line with the
principles for implementation of Technical Cooperation established in the
Statute and in INFCIRC/267.
4. In relation to the performance indicators in general, the Group
notes with appreciation that their definition has been improved, with a
better combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria. In this
connection, the Group believes that improvement of the definition of
performance indicators should be a continuous process to achieve greater
precision and efficacy, guided by the objectives and by the evolution of
major programs, programs and activities. One general criterion that should
be considered in this process is the socio-economic impact of activities
and projects upon end-users.
5. In connection to paragraphs 9-11, on the cross-cutting areas, the
Group would like to reaffirm the importance it attaches to the
coordination and synergy that can be achieved among the different
Departments of the Secretariat. The Group would like to have more
information on the ideas and suggestions by the Secretariat on the
establishment of an appropriate mechanism for the coordination of the
cross-cutting areas already identified as well as other that may be
identified at a later stage.
6. The Group also reaffirms the importance it attaches to any
measures or mechanisms that are made available in order to increase Member
States' participation not only in the formulation, but also in the
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Agency's programs. In
this context, transparency between the Secretariat and Member States is a
goal to be continually pursued.
7. In relation to the financial aspects of document GOV/2002/3, the
Group notes with concern that: a) the projected total volume of the
so-called Core Activities Unfunded in the Regular Budget (CAURBs) remains
extremely high, as illustrated in table 2, page 27; b) the bulk of the
CAURBs is concentrated in one major area, which does not seem to
contribute to the desirable balance between promotional and verification
activities of the Agency; c) a growing dependence on extra-budgetary
resources, which are neither predictable nor assured, associated to the
fact that the Agency does not have the final say in the channeling and
utilization of these resources. Mr. Chairman, Having made these general
considerations, the Group would like to present specific comments on major
programs.
8. The Group of 77 and China attaches great importance to the Major
Program 1 Nuclear Power, Fuel Cycle and Nuclear Science, and appreciates
the Agency's intention to continue to work with the Member States on the
International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles
(INPRO). The Group feels that in the next program and budget cycle for
2004 - 2005 this activity could be considered for funding under the
regular budget, without prejudice to the ZRG criterion.
9. For the Major Program 2 Nuclear Techniques for Development and
Environmental Protection, the Group believes that very important areas,
namely food security, industrial applications including radiation
processing, and dam safety have not been adequately addressed in the
Program, and therefore requests the Secretariat to elaborate on these
areas.
Mr. Chairman,
10. With regard to Major Program 3 Nuclear Safety and Protection
Against Radiation, the Group stresses that safety does not rely only on
good safety standards and technologies but also on good regulatory
practices and well-qualified personnel. With that in mind, the Group
emphasises that sufficient funding should be allocated for the provision
of adequate training of regulators and operators, as well as guidance and
support for the application of standards and safety review services.
11. The Group strongly believes that the issue of safety should be
considered in an integrated manner, so as to include nuclear installation
safety, radiation safety, transport safety and waste disposal safety. The
Group reiterates the great importance of the training activities
undertaken by the Agency and welcomes the idea to establish a long-term
strategy for fostering a sustainable program of education and training in
the area of radiation and waste safety, including through the TCDC
mechanism. The Group would appreciate receiving more information on that
matter, as referred to in paragraph 59.
12. Concerning Major Program 4 Nuclear Verification and Security of
Materials, the Group reiterates the need to maintain a balance between
promotional and verification activities in the Agency.
13. In view of the continued pressure on the Agency's budget, which
concentrates in Major Program 4 - as the projected CAURB figures on table
2 on page 27 clearly indicate - the Group reaffirms its request that
further streamlining and possible savings be sought in the area of
safeguards implementation, having in mind its cost-efficiency and the need
to maintain a balance between promotional and verification activities in
the Agency. In this respect the Group emphasizes that in case
reprioritization of activities becomes necessary, top priority should be
given to safeguards agreements implemented as a requirement of the NPT.
14. As concerns paragraph 77, on a new information system in the area
of verification, the Group believes that any new measures should continue
to take into account the maintenance of an adequate level of
confidentiality of safeguards-related data. In this respect the Group
welcomes document GOV/INF/2002/1, which contains a progress report on the
Agency's Regime for the Protection of Safeguards Confidential Information.
15. In connection with the so-called Trilateral Initiative, the Group
is glad to note that the revised paragraph 87 reflects the understanding
that the proposed activities are subject to the approval of the Board of
Governors and will be funded through extra-budgetary contributions.
Mr. Chairman,
16. In relation to Major Program 5 Information Support Services, the
Group welcomes the establishment of a distinct Division of Information
Technology since the first of September of 2001, as it is convinced of the
importance of information dissemination to all Agency customers, as well
as the general public. Nevertheless, the Group recalls its proposal that
the Division of Information Technology should be financed within available
resources and not require any additional financial resources for the 2004
- 2005.
17. In connection with Major Program 6 Management of Technical
Cooperation for Development, the Group affirms its view that if the record
high implementation rate achieved so far is to be continuously sustained,
it is necessary to employ the necessary human resources to further
strengthen the impact of the TCP and to ensure its relevance,
transparency, effectiveness and efficiency.
18. The Group also notes with satisfaction that due priority has been
attributed to the activities that promote sustainable socio-economic
development and poverty reduction in Member States, as reflected in
paragraph 98.
19. Finally, the G-77 and China continuously encourages the
Secretariat to be innovative and also explore other sources of financing
to resolve the human resource concern in the TC Department.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
|
|
|
|
| First
Page
Vienna Chapter |
G-77 Homepage |