Statement of the Group of 77 and China
delivered by H.E. Ambassador Taous Feroukhi, Permanent Representative of Algeria
IAEA Board of Governors, Vienna, 13-17 September 2010
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the G77 and China on Agenda Item
3: Programme Performance Report for 2008-2009, before I deliver the statement
allow me to express the condolences of the Group to the people and governments
of China, India, Russia and Pakistan for the terrible losses caused by the recent
devastating natural disasters.
Allow me also, to warmly welcome the new colleagues who joined the family
of the Agency. The Group 77 and China wishes to thank the Director General,
Mr. Yukiya Amano, for his introductory statement, and for issuing the Programme
Performance Report contained in document GOV/2010/40.
The Group commends the Secretariat for the positive outcomes achieved in
all Major Programmes in the past biennium and looks forward to receiving information
on how areas identified for further improvement are being addressed.
On Major Programme 1, the Group notes with concern the resource constraints
in providing assistance to Member States interested in introducing nuclear power,
majority of which are developing countries. As the only international organization
with the technical competence to provide this assistance, the Group reiterates
that the Agency must be provided with adequate resources to assist Member States
in planning for and using nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes,
especially in power-generation.
On Major Programme 2, the Group notes with appreciation the improved collaboration
between the Agency and the FAO Regional and Sub-regional Offices, which will
better facilitate the Agency's contributions to Member States. The Group urges
the Secretariat to continue developing approaches to strengthen this partnership,
including through a review of its terms of reference, as well as a review of
how its activities and services can better respond to Member States' needs and
demands in food and agriculture.
The Group also takes note of the ongoing work of the newly-established interdepartmental
advisory group in developing an Agency-wide long-term strategy on education
and training in nuclear science and technology.
On Major Program 5, the Group takes note of the initiatives being undertaken
by the Department of Management to improve efficiency in the delivery of programs.
The Group stresses the importance of enhanced transparency and communication
with Member States in the implementation of policy, management and administrative
reforms. This is particularly relevant on issues relating to financial and human
resource management, including the hiring of consultants, utilization of cost-free
experts, and the implementation of General Conference resolutions on personnel.
Regarding the Technical Cooperation Fund (TCF), the Group notes with appreciation
that in 2009, there was a steady increase in the rate of attainment to 94 per
cent, as well as an increase in the number of countries that contributed to
the Technical Cooperation Fund to 114 compared to 83 in 2002.
However, the Group regrets that the Technical Cooperation Programme continues
to be fully dependent on voluntary contributions and has not actually grown
in proportion to the increased membership of the Agency. In this regard, the
Group attaches great importance to the decision adopted by the Board on the
Agency's budget for 2011 calling for meaningful negotiations on the nature of
TC funding and its relationship with the regular budget, and expects that this
would lead to positive outcomes on issues related to TC financing.
Finally, the Group welcomes all measures aimed at continuously enhancing
the efficiency and effectiveness of the TC Programme, particularly in view of
its limited resources and growing number of requests for technical assistance
from Member States. The Group, however, stresses that all measures taken and
policies adopted in this regard should enhance the ownership of TC projects
by developing countries and must be prepared in close consultation with Member
States.
With these comments, the Group takes note of the Programme Performance
Report for 2008-2009 as contained in GOV/2010/40.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Agenda Item 4: Measures to strengthen international cooperation in nuclear,
radiation, transport and waste safety (September 13, 2010)
Mr. Chairman,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the G77 and China on agenda item
4: Measures to strengthen international cooperation in nuclear, radiation, transport
and waste safety.
The Group 77 and China wishes to thank Deputy Director General Mr. Denis
Flory for presenting this agenda item, and commends the Secretariat for preparing
document GOV/2010/41-GC (54)/8.
The Group attaches great importance to the issue of nuclear safety, which
constitutes one of the important elements of a nuclear programme, and commends
the Secretariat for the work carried out in 2009 pursuant to the pertinent General
Conference resolutions.
The Group notes with appreciation that worldwide nuclear safety performance
remains at a high level, and welcomes the Agency's commitment to promoting international
cooperation and strengthening support to Member States in maintaining a high
level of nuclear safety.
The Group reiterates its support for Agency activities aimed at supporting
nuclear safety infrastructure development in Member States introducing nuclear
power or expanding their existing programs, upon their request.
The Group commends the Agency's continued work on the revision of the International
Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the
Safety of Radiation Sources (BSS), and requests the Secretariat to take note
of the key issues highlighted by Member States in preparing the revised text.
The Group notes that the Agency's new IRRS guidelines have taken into account
feedbacks from its missions and now considers the particular circumstances of
Member states in its programme. The Group encourages the Secretariat to continue
this process of constant feedback and improvement in formulating tailored missions
to assist Member States in assessment of their national regulatory infrastructure.
The Group maintains that the development of human resources is a key element
for the sustainability of any nuclear programme and notes with satisfaction
the Secretariat's continued efforts at addressing the issue of capacity building,
education and training through the conduct of training programmes on specific
topics while adopting a regional approach aimed at the exchange of information
and best practices.
The Group welcomes the creation of a strategic plan document for capacity
building in Member States and in the Secretariat, and looks forward to the completion
of a model action plan to implement this strategy among Member States based
on their specific safety and security needs.
The Group takes note that the steering committee on education and training
in radiation protection and waste safety has considered continuation of the
strategic approach for 2011-2020 and has produced a document in this regard.
The Group looks forward to the implementation of this recommendation.
The Group takes note of the holding of the 10th meeting of the International
Expert Group on Nuclear Liability (INLEX), and would like to express its continued
interest in its work. The Group also takes note of the Secretariat's report
on its activities in the past year.
With regard to nuclear and radiological incident and emergency preparedness
and response, the Group notes with appreciation the Agency's continued work
in developing an emergency preparedness and response manual, and encourages
the Secretariat's enhanced outreach activities in increasing awareness regarding
emergency communication channels and systems as this needs to be adequately
disseminated to Member States as shown by the results of recent exercises.
The Group further encourages the Secretariat to continue conducting assistance
and advisory missions to developing countries, upon request, aimed at enhancing
national emergency preparedness and response systems, and appreciates the assistance
provided to Haiti and Chile on the recovery of radiation sources following the
devastating earthquakes.
On nuclear installation safety, the Group notes with interest the publication
of a new safety guide, "The Management System for Nuclear Installations",
and looks forward to the issuance of a complete set of safety guides covering
research reactors.
The Group appreciates the work of the International Seismic Safety Center,
which has been providing assistance to Member States through capacity-building
programs and site safety review missions.
On radiation safety, the Group commends the Secretariat for its various
initiatives aimed at addressing the problem of occupational radiation exposure
of workers in medical and industrial facilities, and encourages more efforts
in this regard, particularly in several developing countries where difficulties
in managing exposures still persist, due to poor equipment and insufficiencies
in dosimetry and radiation protection guidelines, as well as the lack of training.
On the safety and security of radioactive sources, the Group notes with
interest the findings of the open-ended meeting of technical and legal experts
held in May 2010 to promote a wider exchange of information on voluntary implementation
of the non legally-binding Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive
Sources and its supplementary Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive
Sources. The Group further notes with appreciation that the assistance provided
by the Agency to the requesting Member States have led to significant improvements
in their national regulatory infrastructure and capabilities in handling radioactive
sources.
On denials of shipment of radioactive material, the Group welcomes the
progress made in implementing the action plan of the International Steering
Committee in addressing this critical issue, and takes note of the conduct of
a workshop of national focal points in conjunction with the holding of the 5th
Steering Committee meeting. While noting that the communication and training
materials prepared by the Committee have been disseminated to national focal
points during the workshop, the Group reiterates its request for the Secretariat
to make an assessment of the effectiveness of these tools. The Group remains
concerned that despite enhanced international efforts, denials and delays of
shipment still persist, and encourages the Secretariat to enhance its efforts
for the resolution of this problem ahead of the target of 2013.
The Group takes note of the ongoing collaboration between the Transport
Safety Standards Committee and the International Maritime Organization's Maritime
Safety Committee on emergency preparedness relating to maritime incidents.
The Group encourages the Secretariat to study the findings of the International
Conference on Management of Spent Fuel from Nuclear Power Reactors held in May
2010, and to assist Member States in developing comprehensive national strategies
on the management of spent fuel, suited to their national programme.
The Group also welcomes the Agency's efforts at establishing regional networks
that facilitate the exchange of technical information on radioactive waste disposal
and its related issues.
With these comments, Mister Chair, the Group takes note of document GOV/2010/41-GC(54)/8.
Turning now to the Draft Safety Requirements: Safety of Nuclear Power Plants:
Commissioning and Operation, Revision of Safety Standards Series No. NS-R-2,
as contained in GOV/2010/39, the Group notes that the draft was approved by
the Nuclear Safety Standards Committee, the Radiation Safety Standards Committee,
the Transport Safety Standards Committee and the Waste Safety Standards Committee
in October and November 2009, and was endorsed by the Commission on Safety Standards
in March 2010. Accordingly, the Group concurs with the action recommended for
the Board, and in doing so, wishes to recall the non-binding character of these
documents.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Agenda item 5: Nuclear security, including measures to protect against nuclear and radiological terrorism (September 13, 2010)
Mr. Chairman,
Mr. Chairman,
The Group of 77 and China appreciates the efforts of the Secretariat in preparing the Nuclear Security Report 2010 contained in document GOV/2010/42-GC(54)/9, and wishes to thank Ms. Anita Nilsson for the technical briefing on 8 September 2010.
The Group is pleased to note that the report correctly recognizes that the responsibility for nuclear security rests entirely with the State.
The Group has always supported the Agency's activities in the area of nuclear security, and welcomes the Agency's continued efforts at providing assistance to Member States, upon request, through the Nuclear Security Fund, in their efforts at building and enhancing sustainable national nuclear security capabilities.
The Group notes that the Secretariat continues to provide assistance to requesting Member States, through the Nuclear Security Fund, by conducting advisory missions and legislative assistance activities, as well as follow-up actions to ensure sustainability and consistency in implementing national nuclear security efforts.
The Group maintains that, in addition to capable human resources, effective nuclear security also requires adequate physical protection systems. The Group welcomes the provision of radiation detection instruments to 16 Member States aimed at supporting their efforts at establishing effective border controls, and encourages the continuation of such assistance.
The Group notes the increase in adherence by States to binding and non-binding international legal instruments on nuclear security. The Group welcomes the publication of the document outlining these various legal instruments, the relevant obligations of States and the roles that the Agency is expected to fulfill, and believes that this would improve understanding of said instruments.
The Group welcomes the increase in the number of States that participate in the Agency's Illicit Trafficking Database Programme, as well as in the dissemination of information on reported incidents of unauthorized possession and movement of nuclear material and radioactive sources.
The Group appreciates the continued efforts of the Agency in responding to the expressed needs of Member States in developing Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plans (INSSPs) to assist them in implementing their respective national nuclear security plans in a manner that would optimize resources and avoid duplication of activities, and notes that to date, 52 INSSPs have been developed and are in various stages of finalization. The Group looks forward to the integration in the coming year of INSSPs with programme management software which would enable better programme prioritization and coordination of activities.
On nuclear security guidance documents, while welcoming the initiative of AdSec and CSS on short term measures to enhance interactions with Member States in the development of nuclear security series documents, the Group would like to point out that the long term question of establishing one series of Agency Standards, covering both safety and security, should be dealt with caution, considering the unique nature of the safety and security domains and their distinct implementation.
On nuclear security services, the Group welcomes the Agency's activities for capacity-building in Member States, particularly in developing countries which are confronted with the challenge of maintaining adequate human resources with the required training and competence. The Group notes with appreciation the development of the technical guidance document on "Educational Programme in Nuclear Security", which provides useful guidance for academic institutions in the development of nuclear security curricula, and the establishment of the International Nuclear Security Education Network partnership between the Agency and relevant stakeholders in developing nuclear security education. The Group also notes with appreciation the development of the Nuclear Security Information Portal and Nuclear Security Support Centers and hopes that they can serve as effective platforms for interaction among relevant stakeholders to facilitate enhanced cooperation and information-sharing.
The Group notes that the Agency continued to provide assistance to requesting Member States in the repatriation of high enriched uranium. The Group, however, maintains that such activities do not result in actual risk reduction since control over the material is only transferred from one State to another. Moreover, the Group believes that such activities, and the activities under the Nuclear Security Programme, should be funded from the Nuclear Security Fund, and not from the Technical Cooperation Fund or the regular budget of the Agency.
The Group is of the view that the conditions attached by some of the contributing States on the use of their contributions hamper effective program implementation. Finally, the Group is disappointed that in the Agency's Program and Budget for 2010-2011, a disproportionate increase was provided in the regular budget for the nuclear security program.
With these remarks, the Group takes note of document GOV/2010/42-GC(54)/9.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Agenda item 6 (a): Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear
science, technology and applications: Nuclear power applications, status and
prospects of nuclear power (September 14, 2010)
Mr. Chairman,
The Group of 77 and China wishes to thank the Director General for his two reports respectively contained in document GOV/2010/43-GC (54)/10, entitled "Strengthening the Agency's Activities related to Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications", and document GOV/INF/2010/12-GC(54)/INF/5 on "International Status and Prospects of Nuclear Power". The Group further thanks DDG Sokolov for presenting this agenda item.
The Group continues to attach due importance to the development of nuclear energy and to its peaceful applications in the socio-economic uplift of developing countries. The Group underscores the importance of increased transfer of technology to developing countries, and therefore, urges the Agency to continue providing training and education, supporting national laboratories and further enhancing the coordinated research program. The Group also welcomes the contributions made during the last biennium to various Agency projects, and calls on States in a position to do so to continue providing such funding support.
Regarding Annex 4 of the first report on "Nuclear Energy Activities", the Group reaffirms the interest of Member States in considering the introduction of nuclear power in their energy mix. The Group believes that nuclear energy, as a proven, clean, safe, competitive technology, will make an increasing contribution to the sustainable development of human kind throughout the 21st century and beyond. The Group encourages the Agency to play a central role towards realization of this goal particularly in the developing countries.
The Group notes with appreciation the various ongoing activities of the Agency in nuclear power applications, including the safe and effective operation of nuclear power plants, and supports its work in uranium exploration, spent fuel and radioactive waste management, and decommissioning. The Group would like to encourage the Secretariat to undertake more efforts in assisting Member States, particularly developing countries, in areas such as siting, design, uranium mining and fuel techniques.
The Group appreciates the Agency's support to Member States to improve Plant Life Management (PLiM) and Long Term Operation (LTO) through publications, coordinated research projects (CRPs), workshops and missions to compile best practices, share information, coordinate research and provide advice. The Group welcomes the completion of the two CRPs related to the integrity of reactor pressure vessels were completed and publication of their final reports.
The Group welcomes the establishment in April 2010 of a new Network of Excellence for Supporting the Use of Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Technologies for the Safe and Effective Operation of Nuclear Power Plants (NEICT). The Group also appreciates the Agency's support in operating various networks in the field of site remediation, decommissioning and disposal and its activities to increase awareness of Member States about these networks.
The Group wishes to highlight the uncertainties in the global supply of medical radioisotopes, particularly molybdenum-99, which were recently experienced as a result of shutdowns and extended outages of aged research reactors. Any recurrence would again have an adverse impact on medical and industrial applications. In this regard, the Group appreciates the Agency's continuous efforts at addressing this issue, and encourages the Secretariat to further enhance its assistance to Member States, especially developing countries, in the production of important radioisotopes to ensure the continuity of their supply.
On Annex 5 regarding "Supporting infrastructure development for nuclear power", the Group appreciates the Agency's activities related to the introduction of nuclear power covering wide range of technical topics, including workforce planning, human resource development and fostering competent regulatory systems in developing countries. The Group values the Agency's Secretariat efforts in developing guidance and other documents, creating forums to share lessons learned and best practices, and providing technical assistance in the form of capacity building and review services. The Group appreciates also the Agency's activities under its legislative assistance programme and encourages the continuation of its work. The Group is of the view that the Agency must be provided with adequate resources to enable it to meet the increasing request of Member States.
The Group appreciates the work of the Nuclear Power Support Group in coordinating the provision of assistance in various technical fields, and urges the Secretariat to continue to pursue integrated approaches to sustainable nuclear power development, particularly in developing countries. Further, while the Group looks forward to positive developments from the recent establishment of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Group, it should be stressed that any restructuring should not undermine the role of the TC Department in the selection, approval and implementation of projects.
With regard Annex 6 on "Agency Activities in the Development of Innovative Nuclear Technology", the Group notes with appreciation that the implementation of INPRO Action Plan for 2010-2011 began in January 2010 which comprises activities and collaborative projects in five substantive areas namely Nuclear Energy System Assessments (NESAs) using the INPRO methodology, Global visions, scenarios and pathways to sustainable nuclear development, Innovations in nuclear technology, Innovations in institutional arrangements, and INPRO Dialogue Forum on Nuclear Energy Innovations. The Group further notes with appreciation that significant progresses have been made in all these areas in the past year.
The Group notes that the INPRO work programme reflects the interests and priorities of its members which are in line with the Agency's regular programme and that the results obtained under INPRO are in turn available to all IAEA Member States. However, it continues to rely mainly on extra-budgetary contributions from its members. The Group is of the view that the support to INPRO from the Agency regular budget should be enhanced.
The Group notes with appreciation the Agency's role in monitoring worldwide activities on advanced and innovative technology development, fostering collaboration among Member States on selected innovative nuclear technologies and related R&D through several Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and through Coordinated Research Projects.
Regarding Annex 7 on "Nuclear Knowledge Management", the Group expresses its support to all Agency activities undertaken under Nuclear Knowledge. In this regard, the Group believes that the Agency must have a strengthened focus on nuclear education and training.
The Group notes with appreciation the strong participation by Member States in networking activities, and believes that these can serve as effective tools in knowledge transfer and sharing best practices. The Group also notes with appreciation the Agency's increased use of modern technology in conducting training and disseminating information to personnel from Member States, such as web-based platforms and e-learning tools, which are helpful in disseminating certain technical knowledge.
Turning now to the information document on "International Status and Prospects of Nuclear Power", the Group commends the Secretariat for preparing an updated report on the international status and prospects of nuclear power. The Group finds the report to be comprehensive and analytical, and notes the detailed information provided therein on the current status of nuclear power, prospects for the future application of nuclear energy, challenges for nuclear expansions and key issues for long term deployment. The Group further notes that the global nuclear industry now has an operating experience of more than 14,000 reactor years and has shown excellent safety and performance records. The Group underscores that the Agency should continue to play a central role to enable interested Member States, particularly developing countries, to successfully introduce or expand their nuclear power programs.
The Group notes the increasing public confidence in nuclear power in many countries, partly due to the successful generation of nuclear energy over the past twenty years and growing concerns over climate change. The Group urges the Secretariat to work with Member States in clarifying public concerns about nuclear power, particularly in countries where such concerns remain an obstacle to expanding or initiating nuclear power programs.
The Group recognizes the importance of mechanisms for spent fuel and waste management, and concurs with the findings of the report that countries, particularly those initiating or expanding nuclear power programs, need access to effective disposal options. The Group, therefore, urges the Secretariat to continue supporting Member States in developing strategies and implementing projects on spent fuel and waste management systems.
With these comments, the Group takes note of documents GOV/2010/43-GC(54)/10 and GOV/INF/2010/12-GC(54)/INF/5.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Agenda item 6 (b): Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications: Nuclear applications for human health, food and agriculture, water resources and the environment (September 14, 2010)
Mr. Chairman,
The Group of 77 and China wishes to thank the Director General for his report, on "Strengthening the Agency's Activities related to Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications" contained in document GOV/2010/43-GC (54)/10. The Group further thanks DDG Burkart for presenting this agenda item.
The Group notes Agency's continued focus in areas of health, agriculture, water and environment. The Group also calls for the Agency to provide assistance in Member States' infrastructure development efforts through capacity building and transfer of know-how in all relevant areas of nuclear technology that will contribute to sustainable development.
The Group notes with appreciation the realignment of the Seibersdorf laboratory management and staff with their respective programs in order to better respond to the requests of Member States.
Concerning Annex 1 on "Support to the African Union's Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication Campaign (AU-PATTEC)", the Group appreciates the continuing partnership of the Agency with AU-PATTEC and its support to the implementation of the Action Plan in the past year through two regional TC projects and six national TC projects in Africa. The Group also appreciates the assistance provided to 12 Member States for baseline data collection, feasibility assessment studies, capacity-building and pre-operational support for the use of sterile insect techniques through training, expert services and equipment.
The Group welcomes the signing in November 2009 of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency and the AU Commission in support of PATTEC and looks forward to positive outcomes from the various areas of cooperation.
The Group encourages the Agency to continue its work with the Centre International de Recherche-Developpement sur l'Elevage en zone Sub-humide (CIRDES) in Burkina Faso towards making CIRDES an IAEA Collaborating Center in "The Use of SIT for Area-wide Integrated Management of Tsetse Fly Populations", and to continue working its cooperation with the Government of Burkina Faso towards the establishment of a new tsetse mass rearing facility that will provide specimens to selected SIT projects in Western Africa. The Group also encourages the Agency to assist Member States in southern Africa on the possibility of using tsetse SIT as part of their national tsetse control efforts and the establishment of a sub-regional tsetse mass-rearing center.
The Group takes note that the funds from the African Development Bank dedicated to the AU-PATTEC will be depleted by 2011. The Group, therefore, encourages Member States to contribute additional funds in order to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Regarding Annex 2 on "Development of the Sterile Insect Technique for the control or eradication of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes", the Group is pleased to note that substantial research work was carried out in the last biennium at the FAO/IAEA Insect Pest Control Laboratory in Seibersdorf.
The Group also notes with appreciation that the insect greenhouse in Seibersdorf that simulates semi-field conditions has been partially completed, and looks forward to the installation of an adequate climate control system that will allow for its year-round use.
The Group welcomes the preparatory activities that were undertaken by the Agency for the field pilot project in Sudan, and urges the Secretariat to work with countries in the Indian Ocean area that have expressed interest in utilizing SIT as an additional control tactic for mosquitoes in the region following the encouraging results of the SIT project in La Reunion Island.
Concerning Annex 3 on "Strengthening support to Member States in food and agriculture", the Group welcomes the renewed partnership between the Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organization, and strongly supports the work of the FAO/IAEA Joint Division in the use of nuclear techniques in food and agriculture that have enabled developing countries to have better crop yields, produce better food, conserve soil and water resources and address environmental problems, thereby supporting their socio-economic development.
The Group takes note of the various research activities being undertaken through the program. The Group encourages the Secretariat to seek extra-budgetary funding for infrastructure improvement and modernization of the Seibersdorf Laboratories, especially the FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratories.
The Group urges the Secretariat to continue developing other approaches to strengthen the FAO/IAEA partnership, including through a review of its original terms of reference, to see how its activities and services can better respond to Member States' needs and demands in food and agriculture.
With these comments, the Group takes note of document GOV/2010/43-GC(54)/10.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Agenda item 9: Any other business
Assurance of Supply (September, 16th 2010)
On the issue of "Assurance of Supply", the Group of 77 and NAM would
like to reiterate its views and concerns expressed in its statements during the
June 2009, November 2009, March 2010 and June 2010 sessions of the Board on this
matter, which, inter alia, stated that there is a need to address 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.
Regarding the technical briefing on 10 March 2010 by the Secretariat on
2010/Note 1 entitled "Assurance of Supply", the G77 and NAM notes
that a number of critical issues were raised by Member States, including by
proponents of other assurance of supply-related mechanisms. It was apparent
during that briefing that these issues also need to be thoroughly considered.
Further, the technical issues raised by the G77 and NAM in their joint statement
before the June 2009 Board meeting have also yet to be thoroughly addressed.
The G77 and NAM reiterates that concerns related to nuclear proliferation
must not in any way restrict the inalienable right of all States to develop
all aspects of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes, in particular
given its relevance for the sustainable socio-economic uplift of developing
nations.
The G77 and NAM reiterates that any further consideration of the issue of
"Assurance of Supply" must be based on a coherent and comprehensive
conceptual framework that adequately addresses the views and concerns of all
Member States.
The G77 and NAM remains convinced that further consideration of individual
proposals on this matter must be preceded by consensual agreement by the General
Conference 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 supply", it must first agree on common principles
and objectives which would then apply to all the different proposals.
The G77 and NAM recommends once more that, subject to the provisions of the
Statute, any decision on individual 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 G77 and NAM on this matter, the two Groups remain of the view that it
is still premature to bring individual proposals before the Board.
The G77 and NAM recalls that detailed and comprehensive discussions on all
aspects pertaining to this issue did not take place before the non-consensual
decision taken at the November 2009 Board meeting to authorize the Director
General to conclude an agreement to establish a reserve of LEU. The two Groups
hope that such a situation can be avoided in future.
Finally, the G77 and NAM notes that consultations are still ongoing on the framework
for conducting further discussions on the issue and reiterate that transparent
and inclusive deliberations are required to formulate an acceptable framework
for assurances of nuclear fuel supply. The G77 and NAM continue to believe that
an open-ended working group is still the best forum for conducting such discussions,
and requests the Chairman of the Board to continue his efforts at achieving consensus
in this regard.
