Statement of the G-77 and China during the IAEA Board
of Governors Meeting, 26-27 November 2009, delivered by H.E. Ambassador Eugenio
María Curia, Permanent Representative of Argentina
Agenda Item
3: "Request by the Russian Federation regarding its Initiative to Establish a Reserve of Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) for the Supply of LEU to
the IAEA for its Member States"
Mr. Chairman,
Regarding the Russian proposal on the establishment of a reserve of LEU on its territory, as outlined in document GOV/2009/76, the
Group would like to reiterate the views and concerns expressed in its statement during the June 2009 session on this matter, which, inter alia, stated that there
is a need for caution while addressing thoroughly the associated technical, legal and economic aspects, as well as the underlying political dimensions of this issue,
so that any proposal that eventually emerges in this regard is in full accordance with the Statute and takes into account the respective legal obligations of Member
States, and the principle of non-discrimination.
The Group reiterates that any further consideration of the issue of nuclear fuel supply assurances must
be based on a coherent and comprehensive conceptual framework that adequately addresses the views and concerns of all Member States, as was reflected in the
Chairperson's Conclusion on the deliberations on this issue in the session of June 2009.
The Group is convinced that consideration of individual proposals
on this matter must be preceded by consensual agreement on the conceptual framework that outlines the specific political, technical, economic and legal parameters.
If the Agency is to establish a mechanism for assurance of nuclear fuel supply, it must first agree on generic common principles and objectives that should then
apply automatically to all the different proposals.
The Group recommends once more that, subject to the provisions of the Statute, any decision on such proposals
be taken by consensus in the General Conference, to take into account the views and concerns of all Member States.
Considering that there has been no development
in addressing the concerns of the Group on this matter, the Group is still of the view that no decision or recommendation can be made at this stage. The Group
looks forward to an open and constructive dialogue which addresses all its concerns prior to further consideration of this matter.
