A/33/PV.42 General Assembly

We have listened attentively to the state- ment of the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Sigvard Eklund [41st meeting], which as usual iraws our attention to the most important aspects of international co-operation in the nuclea.r field. With equal attention we have also studied the report of the Vienna Agency for 1977,1 comparing it with the last General Conference of the Agency, held in September of this year, at which the head of the Argentine delegation described in detail the position of our Govern- ment on this topic. 2. It is pointless to repeat here everything that was said on that occasion. Yet, we think that it is necessary to share with members of this body, which must guide the activities of IAEA, some thoughts aroused by certain negative tendencies which have become apparent recerH\_Y. 3. We believe that intensive and non·dis(.~dr:ninatory co- operation in the transfer of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes is the most effective means of avoiding the scientific paternalism which characterized other periods and which has contributed to perpetuating the conditions of poverty and backwardness which still afflict a part of the developing world. 4. This is why we are concerned with the position of some industrialized countries which believe that they alone can determine the manner, the time and the scope of this transfer of technology. 5. This position is reflected also in the budget of IAEA, which is burdened by an excessive growth of the system of safeguards which has been extended until it covers a number of elements that have no connexion with the means of producing nuclear weapons. 1 International Atomic Fnergy Agency, The Annual Report lor 1977 (Austria, July 1978); transmitted to the Members of the General Assembly by a note of the Secretary-General (A/33/145). NEW YOHK 6. We have no doubt tha~' such policies, which also manifest themselves in attempts to limit the technical assistance of the Agency tQ the countries which are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, [resolution 2373 (XXII), annex], will produce \~ffects contrary to tho~e originally intended. The United Nations, which is the main forum of the international community, must become aware of the damage that this situation implies and indicate the means of resolving it. 7. The main guidelines WE:re adopted by t.;e General Assembly at its tenth special sessiofl, which it devoted to disarmament. The Final Document of that session states: "... the nuclear-weapon States and the non-nuclear- weapon States should jointly take further steps to develop an international cOI1~nsus on ways and means, on a universal and non-discriminatory basis, to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons." [Resolution S-lOj2, para. 66.] And then further on the same Document states: "Non-proliferation measures should not jeopardize the full exercise 'of the inalienable rights of all States to apply and develop their programmes for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for economic and social development in conformity with their priorities, interests ana needs. All States should also have access ·to and be free to acqiJire technology, equipment and materials for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, ta.king into account the particular needs of ~he developing countries." [Ibid, para. 68.] 8. For so long as these principles are not re-spected and have not begun to be applied, the restrictive practices of countriell that possess nuclear technology will inevitably be interpreted as the result of the attempt to preserve an industrial heg~mony that prevents the strengthening.of co-operation and the political effects of which have serious repercussions far beyond the special field which is now the object of our attention. 9. The nuclear policy of the Republic of Argentina was established at the highest level of its Government. It is inspired by a generous spirit of international co-,uperation, with special emphasis on the Latin American region. A vaSt programme of bilateral agreements links us in a mutually beneficial manner with our brothers in the region and we contribute with our experience whenever IAEA feels this to be necessary. 10. We hope that this spirit, which is the same sp:tit that inspired those who drafted the statute of the Agency in Vienna, will prevail and will inspire the revisions that are now indispen.sable if we really want to develop to the A!33!PV.42 17. It still remains to increase the number of parties to the nuclear non-proliferation Treaty. According to the data contained in the report of the Agency, more than 10 countries that possess a significant peaceful nuclear poten- tial are not parties to the Treaty. Among those countries are the Republic of South Africa and Israel, whose plans to create their own nuclear weapons are known. That situation should be rectified. It is necessary to guarantee that all countries without exception adhere to the Treaty. 18. r~f its part the Soviet Union is doing everything in its power to facilitate the strengthening of the non- proliferation regime. That is the purpose of the proposal for the conclusion of an international convention on the strengthening of guarantees of the security of non-nuclear States which was introduced by the Soviet Union on 8 September this year [A/33/241, annex]. The imple- mentation of that proposal would give countries which have renounced the production, acquisition and deployment on their territory of nuclear weapons reliable international legal guarantees that atomic weapons would not be used against them. Moreover, such guarantees in our opinion could become one of the inducements fQ.r non-nuclear countries that have not yet done so to renounce the possibility of acql.iring nuclear weapons. 12. At the present time all states take a growing interest in atomic energy and in the accelerated development of national programmes in this field. This is a legitimate process that is dictated by the objective conditions of the energy situation in the world, and in our opinion, it should have the support of all countries. 13. The Soviet Union has achieved significant results in the ure of the energy of the nucleus of the atom for constructive purposes. It has consistently shared its achieve- . ments with interested countries both through IAEA and on a bilateral basis through the transfer of knowledge and technical assistance, the enrichment of nuclear fuel, and so on. The Soviet delegation confIrms the readiness ~f' the Soviet Union to continue to do this in the future. 19. An important place in the activities of IAEA is given to questions of scientific and technical co-operation, including the holding of international scientific conferences and giving technical assistance to interested countries. 14. However, it cannot be denied that there is a growing threat that a by-product of this development as regards atomic energy may be the emergence of nuclear weapons in countries that today do not possess them. That is why there is an increasingly urgent need for the establishment of such conditions in the world as wouk\ guarantee the harmonious development of atomic energy and at the same time, guarantee that this process is not accompanied by the spread of nuclear weapons throughout the planet. 20. The Agency has wide experience of conducting inter- national conferences on the peaceful uses of atomic energy and has the necessary organizational machinery for this purpose. Suffice it to recall the conference held by the Agency in Salzburg in 1977 on the subject of nuclear power and its fuel cycle,2 which aroused widespread interest among a large number of both nuclear developed countries and developing States. 15. To solve these interrelated problems, a complex of international measures has been developed which, taken together, make up an international regime for the non- proliferation of nuclear weapons. Its keystone is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, through which iAEA is given an extremely important role in exercising control over and supervising the use of atomic energy in the countries y..tich are parties to that Treaty. In the opinion of the Soviet delegation the Agency, so far, has succeeded in fulfilling the mission entrusted to it. In connexion with the growing scale of development of atomic energy and the growing technical complexity of the installations that have been brought into being, the task of supervieion will become much more difficult in the near future. In this connexion there is cause for satisfaction at the action being taken in the Agency to expand its supervisory machinery and increase its effectiveness. 21. In this connexion we should like to emphasize once again that it is precisely IAEA that, in accordance with its statute, is fully responsible for dealing with the problem of the peaceful uses of atomic energy. Therefore it would be lo~ical and highly advisable for questions concerned with the convening and organizing of any future conferences devoted to international co-operation in the area of the peaceful uses of atomic energy to continue to be dealt with by IAEA, a 22. As it attaches great significance to giving technical assistance through IAEA, the Soviet Union is delivering to 2 International Conference on Nuclear Power and lts Fuel Cycle, held at Salzburg from 2 to 13 May 1977. 23. In our view, the secretariat of IAEAt through the technical assistance fund t should promote more actively the development of the peaceful uses of atomic energy in countries that are parties to the non-proliferation Treaty. That would be in keeping with the wide support given at the Review Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons t held at Geneva in 1975 to the provision whereby the non-nuclear developing countries parties to the Treaty should enjoy a priority right to receive technical assistance. 24. Moreover t at the recent session of the General Con- ference of IAEA the USSR stated its readiness to give free of charge to the IAEA pool over a five-year period 50 kilograms of uranium-235 as a contribution to the activities of the Agency in the area of the peaceful uses of atomic energy. This material will be made available for the needs of the n'ori-nuclear countries parties to the non-proliferation Treaty. This decision by the Soviet Government is intended to create favourable conditions for the implementation of article IV of the Treaty. 25. As was pointed out by the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and President of the Presidium of the Supreme. Soviet of the USSR t Comrade L. I. Brezhnev~ in his message to the twenty-first session of the General Conference of IAEA: :., ,/ "The Soviet Union is actively co-operatingt and is prepared to develop further such co-operation t with other countries in connexion with the peaceful uses of atomic energy, and this includes co-operation within the frame- work of IAEA. Our country, which makes broad use of atomic energy for peaceful and constructive purposes, is prepared to share its rich experien\:e and scientific and technical knowledge in this field in the interest of the further progress of mankind." 26. The Soviet Union values highly the activities of IAEA. The Soviet delegation is prepared to approve and endorse the report presented by the Agency.

At the outset, allow me to express to the Director General of IAEA t Mr. Eklundt my delegation's 'sincere appreciation of his comprehensive introduction of the Agency's report for the calendar year 1977 and his most interesting and detailed description of this year's major developments in the field of nuclear energy. My delegation was particularly interested to hear Mr. Eklund's clear and indeed stimulating presentation of the philosophy behind the peaceful uses of nuclear energy as it is seen today by IAEA. 29. The central obj~ctives of IAEA are set out in clear terms in the Agency's statute. According to article 11 ofits statute, the Agency shall seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and pros- perity throughout the world and it shall ensure that nuclear energy is not used in such a way as to further military purposes. 30. In our opinion, a fair and equitable balance should exist between the two most important functions of the Agency: non-proliferation and technical assistance. 31. Austria has always supported the Agency's safeguards activities, and therefore we have learned with satisfaction that the number of cuuntries that have acceded to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons has further increased withih the reporting period and that the Agency has concluded several new safeguard agreements with a number of countries. 32. In Austria the development of safeguards has been further advanced during the past year by improvement of safeguards procedures for the Austrian nuclear facilities. We welcome the Agency's assistance during past years.in this field and acknowledge its continued efforts to develop and expand the international safeguards system. In this con- nexion, we warmly approve of the activities of the Agency in giving assistance to member States in establishing and strengthening national safeguards undertaking~ through training seminars or direct consultative contacts. 33. On a more general level, let me repeat Austria's support for the ongoing efforts to develop international consensus and co-operation in the field of the peaceful u~s of nuclear energy, including the prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons. It is with th.ese considerations in mind fhat Austria is taking an active part in the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation. Austria welcomed the possibility of acting as host to the 1977 Salzburg Inter- national Conference on Nuclear Power and its Fuel Cycle, which provided a timely and very useful opportunity for a comprehensive re ;icw of all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. 34. In its resolution 32/50 the General Assembly invited all States to consider conveningt at an appropriate stag~, an. international conference or conferences aimed at promoting international cO-0-:eration in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In the relevant reply, contained in the Secretary- General's report that is before us {A/33/332, sect. Ill. Austria indicated its agreement in principle to the con- vening of such a conference, whicht in our view t 'should benefit and draw the appropriate conclusions from the above-mentioned and similar ongoing international dis- cussions. Given the outstanding role IAEA is playing in this regard, it would seem to us to be of the utmost importatlce that such a conference be held under the auspi~es of the Agency. 36. Austria has always strongly supported -the Agency's work in this area and will continue to do so. As in previous years, my Government will not only contribute to the regular 1979 budget of the Agency according to the rate of assessment; it has also pledged, subject to parliamentary approval, an amount of $US 57,800 as Austria's voluntary contribution to the general fund for 1979, as well as funds for type 11 fellowships which will amount to 170,000 Austrian schillings. 37. Today the question of the advisability of the construc- tion of new nuclear power plants and of the related security aspects constitutes in many countries a controversial subject of public debate. In Austria also this issue has played a central role in the political discussion over the past months. One of the most important aspects of this discussion is the question of the fmal storage of radioactive waste, which has bec:o.. ~ ~h~ key problem in connexion with any decision on ~ne use of nuclear eliergy. In order to fmd suitable solutions to this problem we consider that international co-operative efforts, which can best be under- 'taken within the framework of IAEA, are urgently re- quired. 42. My country, as a designated member of the Board of Governors and as a State which contributes approximately 10 per cent of the Agency's regular budget, has participated in the policy-making and administration of the Agency since Us establishment, has been consistently in favour of reinforcing the Agency, and has actively co-operated in its activities. In that connexion, my country highly t\ppreciates the statement made by Mr. Eklund, the Director General of IAEA, at the General Conference of the Agency on 18 September this year, and supports almost all the views expressed in that statement. In particular, as Mr. Eklund emphasized, one cannot sufficiently stress the importance of the peaceful use of atomic energy as an energy source. The establishment of an international co-operative system for that purpose, together with the supplementing and reinforcing of parts of the existing system such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, is among the most urgent questions that the world currently faces. 38. In conclusion, and following the tradition of previous years, I should like to present a brief report on the progress made in connexion with the construction, at the expense of the Austrian Government and the city of Vienna, of the future permanent headquarters of the Agency. I am happy to report that all the buildings of the permanent head- quarters for the Agency in the so-called Donaupark Centre will be completed by the summer of 1979 and the headquarters and conference facilities will thus be ready for occupancy at that time. The ceremonial inauguration of the new headquarters, as Mr. Eklund has already pointed out, will take place in August 1979. I am confident that the new premises will offer working conditions of the highest standard for the staff of the Agency, thus further increasing its already extraordinary efficiency. 43. In this cor!',exion, I am pleased to inform the General Assembly thfl. , >: accordance with the nuclear non- proliferatior -~ -'-:'s a ')1.o:':;-guards agreement between Japan and IAEA '1'0,,:-; iy<.j r....hi;' in Degember 1977, and that a subsidiary ~I· "t;me~) vIas recently concluded in co- operation with the Ageii\,;y secretariat. In taking those steps, my country has prepared a system which accepts IAEA safeguards, including inspection, for all the nuclear materials in Japan, and it also intends to offer itself as a sort of model to the world. In this connexion, I wish to take. note of Mr. Eklund's statement this morning: "Irrevoc- able safeguards must be balanced by irrevocable commit- ments to supply" {41st meeting, para. 1OJ. At the same time, however, I wish ':0 stress that if the non-proliferation Treaty is to be truly effective, then the existing inequality between the nuclear-weapon States and the non-nuclear- weapon States must not become fixed, but must rather be rectified by the nuclear-weapon States undertaking to pursue in good faith the negotiations on effective measures relating to the cessation of the nuclear-arms race at an early date, and to nuclear disarmament, both of which are provided for in article VI of the non-proliferation Treaty. 39. I should not like to close my remarks without expressing once more our appreciation for the excellent co-operation and a~sistance the Austrian Government has again received from the Director General and all the members of the Agency's secretariat in the course of the past year, Finally, let me thank Mr. Eklund for the kind words which he addressed to my. Government and to Austria as the host country of the Agency.

It is a great pleasure for me to speak on behalf of the Government of Japan on the occasion of the deliberations on the report that IAEA, which enjoys the closest relationship with the United Nations, has submitted to the General Assembly. 44. My country has therefore requested that the nuclear- weapon States reach early agreement on a comprehensive nuclear test ban and begin negotiations on a cut-off of the 41. Article 11 of the statute of IAE \. clearly states that the Agency should seek both to accelerate the peaceful uses of atomic energy and to prevent its military use. Thus the 45. I should like at this point to recall the relevant parts of the two resolutions adopted by the General Assembly last year on the report of IAEA [resolutions 32/49 and 32/50/, resolutions in which it was clearly recognized by the States 'Members of the United Nations that the peaceful uses of atomic energy are vital to the economic and social development of a large number of countries, whether developed or developing; that the Agency has the respon- sibility of promoting such peacefl~l uses of nuclear energy while effectively preventing the peaceful uses of atomic energy from leading to the proliferation of nuclear weap- ons; that special consideration should be given to the needs of developing countries and the Agency's activities in this field should be reinforced; and that countries which are advanced in the field of atomic energy should assist the efforts of the Agency in carrying out its tasks. 50. In August of this year~ Japan entered into a regional co-operative agreement whose objective is to promote and ensure co-operation, in research, development and training in atomic science and technology, particularly in the use ef radiation and isotopes, among IAEA member countries in the Asian, Pacific and Far Eastern region. Thus my r..ountry, as an Asian nation which is advanced in the atomic energy field, is planning to join in a variety of projects based upon the said agreement-particularly in regional projects to meet the situation and needs of the Asian countries-and to contribute to research in and development of atomic energy and technical co-operation in Asia. H ••• the industrial countries must forge ahead with current nuclear-power programmes, which at present offer the only immediately available alternative to tradi- tional means of producing electricity on a large scale." [ 41st meeting, para. 16.} 46. I think it worth noting that the same recognition is shown in the statement made by the Director General at the very beginning of today's morning meeting. Referring to certain steps the industrial world could take to ease the energy situatiun, Mr. Eklund said, inter alia, that 47. It need hardly be stated that an increase in the danger of nuclear proliferation must not be allowed to become a concomitant of the diffusion of the peaceful uses of atomic energy; this principle is, in fact, clearly statrd in the General Assembly resolutions which I have just mentioned. I must not fail to make it very clear that my own country has a particular interest in the improvement and reinforce- ment of the safeguards system centring upon IAEA, as well as in other necessary international measures. 48. With regard to draft resolution A/33/L.6/Rev.l, con- cerning the possible convening of an international con- ference or conferences, under the auspices of the United Nations, aimed at promoting international co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, I should like to reaffirm the views of my Government which were sub- mitted to the Secretary-General on 4 August 1978 [see A/33/332, sect. III to the effect that recognizing the importance of international co-operation in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and actively participating in the studies which are now under way in relevant forums such as IAEA and the International Nucl~ar Fuel Cycle Evaluation, aimed at the further development of such internatjonal co-operation, the Government of Japan is of the view that all interested States should continue to concentrate their efforts on carrying out the foregoing studies, and that to convene an international conference under the auspices of the United Nations for the same 49. The Director General, Mr. Eklund, has repeatedly emphasized in his statements at the General Conference of the Agency, and emphasized in his statement today, that the Agency's programme of technical assistance becomes the keystone of the Agency's activities. The Agency now has a variety of programmes, such as expert services, fellowships, training, and the supply of equipment, in such fields as the uses of radiatiQn and isotopes in medicine, agriculture, industry and the life sciences. There have been considerable achievements by IAEA in each of these programmes, and my own country has actively co-operated with the Agency through such activities as the providing of expert services. 51. We must not forget to acknowledge that the Agency not only has carried out various activities cov~ring both the development of atomic energy ,and non-energy applications of nuclear techniques, but has also played a central role in safety contra! and the application of safeguards. The latter part of the Agency's activities is equal in importance to the former, and I should like here to emphasize that, together with the expansion of such activities as technical assistance, the activities of safety control and safeguards should be improved and reinforced as well. 52. FinallYJ it need hardly be said that the functional and effective management of the Agency should be secured, and that for this purpose the smooth operation of the functions of the Board of Governors as an executive body for handling the actual management of the Agency sholl1d be secured. I believe that the recent trend towards politiciza- tion should be absolutely avoided.

The approach· of the Czechoslovak delegation to the deliberations on the report of IAEA proceeds from the fact that IAEA is one of the most important agencies of the United Nations and has a considerable share of the responsibility for the development of mutually advantageous co-oper~tion among States in conditions of peaceful coexistence, for international de- tente and for the strengthening of world peace. At the same time, it is also an irreplaceable organization in that it bears the responsibility for ensuring observance of the agreed international safeguards designed to prevent the prolifera- tion of nuclear weapons in the process of the peaceful development of nuclear energy. This important task of 54. I take this opportunity of emphasizing the importance of the proposal of the Soviet Union on the strengthening of the security guarantees of non-nuclear States [A/Cl/33/ 61. It is our opinion that this question must be one of the key issues in the deliberations at the second review conference of the parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to be held in 1980. That conference must be thoroughly prepared if it is to have the best and most practical results. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic is prepared to take an active part in that work. We also welcome the intention of IAEA to prepare the necessary documentation for that Conference. L.6/Rev~2J, which is at present being discussed in the First Committee and which calls for the adoption of such measures as would reliably guarantee that nuclear weapons will not be used under any circumstances against countries that have renounced those weapons and do not have them deployed in their territories. There is no need to elaborate on what a significant step forward this measure would be also in the direction of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the creation of the conditons for nuclear disarmament. There is no doubt that it would also have the most positive impact on the activities of IAEA. 62. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic welcomes the numerous improvements in the organization of the ma- chinery of the Agency undertaken recently in respect of the Agency's work in the fields of safeguards and supervision. We trust that the effectiveness of IAEA activities in these fields will be further enhanced by the reorganization of the :Jepartment of Safeguards-specifically, the establishment of two divisions for inspection and a division for the processing of data and information on safeguards. I should also like to emphasize the necessity of strengthening and completing the staffing of the section engagt;d in the evaluation of the effectiveness of safeguards. 55. We followed with interest the comprehensive and lucid tntroductory statement of the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Sigvard Eklund, on the activities of the Agency during the recent period [41st meeting!. We are happy to note that the efforts of IAEA and its member States regarding safeguards against the proliferation of nuclear weapons and for the development of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and the Agency's search for ways of assisting the developing countries as effectively ~'s possible in that field, continue, since these are the principal objectives of all the aGtivities of the Agency. It is our belief that in all these princ~pal aspects of its activities the Agency must have the permanent support of the General Assembly of the United Nation£. 63. Regrettably, we must take a critical stand in respect of the situation with regard to the safeguards agreement with EURATOM and its five non-nuclear member States, the finalization and implementation of which has apparently become the most intractable current task of the secretariat of IAEA. In view of the considerable number of existing nuclear energy facilities and facilities related to the fuel cycle in those countries, as well as the fact that the negotiations among EURATOM, its five non-nuclear mem- ber States and IAEA have been progressing at an unsatis- factory rate since 1972, this issue is acquiring ever-growing urgency. 56. We share the well-founded view that, at least for the foreseeable future, the development of nuclear energy is the only realistic and technically feasible method of satisfying the growing need for energy on a world-wide scale. In the dev.clopment of international co-operation, IAEA responds to this desideratum of the present time on the whole successfully and constructively. 57. This notwithstanding, we deem it appropriate to point out certain problems that are still very topical and urgent. 64. It can be noted that in many respects IAEA activities have been developed successfu]]y. We appreciate the pro- gress that has been achieved, for instance, in the establish- ment of. regional multinational nuclear fuel centres, in the field of research into the nuclear fuel cycle, in the field of peaceful nuclear explosions, as well as in the field of the- physical protection of nuclear materials and the safety of nuclear facilities. In that connexion the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic welcomes the efforts of the Agency to elab'orate a convention on the physical protection of nuclear materials; such a convention would be a significant instrument in preventing the potential danger of nuclear terrorism, which must be considered a crime under inter- national law with all the corresponding implications. It is 58. As a specific executive body of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Agency must consistently exercise its rights and carry out its duties in the fields of safeguards and supervision. The positive results achieved in this respect are natura]]y weakened by the fact that some countries signatories of the non-proliferation Treaty have not yet completed their negotiations and have not signed the safeguards agreements with IAEA. 59. This year we reca]] that 10 years have elapsed since the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons was adopted by the United Nations and op'ened for signature in dte capitals of the three depositary States. Although the' de~irab]e that as',. many States of the world as possible 66, Special attention is due also to the field of technical assistance by IAEA in the planning and implementation of the programmes of member States relating to the develGp- ment of nuclear energy. But we firmly hold that in no case may technical assistance become a channel for the prolifera- tioD. of nuclear weapons, Therefore we advocate the adoption of an effective system of safeguards, especially in respect of the so-called sensitive fields within the fuel cycle. 67. Czechoslovakia contributes, to the best of its ability, to the implementation of the programme I have mentioned. At the twenty-second session of the General Conference of IAEA the Government of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic submitted an offer of the granting in 1979 of five long-term scholarships for study at Czechoslovak univer- sities, four one-year scholarships for study at institutes of the Czechoslovak Academy of Science or other research facilities of the Czechoslovak nuclear programme, as well as fmancial contributions to three one-year scholarships fi- nanced by the UNDP fund. Apart from that, Czecho- slovakia is making a contribution of 300,000 Czechoslovak koruna to the general technical assistance fund. 68. I also wish to recall that Czechoslovakia is the initiator of the idea that technical assistance should be granted as a matter of priority to the economically least developed countries. 69. It is apparent from what I have said here, and still more so from our long-term commitment to and our co-operation with IAEA, as well as from our active participation in the work of IAEA, its Board of Governors and other bodies, that the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic ' has been attaching, and continues to attach, great impor- ;'1 tance to IAEA and to support for its work. We evaluate positively in particular those fields of IAEA activities in which is promoted the idea of mutual co-operation a~ld the development of the national economies of member States which contribute to the strengthening of international security, to disarmament and the consolidation of inter- national peace. In this spirit we also support the report of IAEA submitted today to the General Assembly by its Director General, Mr. Sigvard Eklund. We are convinced that those positive trends in IAEA's work will continue to be predominant and will become the driving force of that important organization.

The Hungarian delegation has studied with great attention and interest the report of IAEA and feels that it adequately reflects the ever-widening range of its important activities. May I express my delegation's thanks and recognition to the Director General Mr. Sigvard Eklund, for his valuable and thought-provokin~ introductory s+~+ement. t~at dou?le set of, closely related tasks, because they are lmked WIth such equally interrelated problems as those of development and international peace and security. 72. As far as the further development and expansion of international co-operation in the uses of atomic energy for peaceful purposes are concerned, it will suffice to refer to the energy situation of the- world today and to the relentless and inevitable growth of demands for energy. The much discussed question of the profitability of nuclear energy arises in a new context as a result of price increases for oil and other fuels. It is by no chance, therefore, that during the period from 1967 to 1977 installed nuclear capacity increased to 100,000 megawatts and projects for about 200,000 megawatts are under construction or in an advanced stage of planning. The present standstill as mentioned also by 'the Director General of IAEA, is a temporary phenomenon. Despite the present great interest in and tne anticipated utilization of new and renewable sources of energy one should reckon with an increase in the production of nuclear energy. In this connexion, we think that the IAEA proposal that the topic "fusion as an important future new source of energy" should be included in the framework of the proposed international conference on new and renewable sources of energy deserves serious attention. 73. The International Conference on Nuch~ar Power and Its Fuel Cycle, held in Salzburg last yem-, played a significant role in increasing international co-operation for ~e peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Hungarian delega- tion supports the plan for convening, in 1981 or 1982, a conference similar to that of 5alzburg 011 the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 74. No matter how modest, the technical assistance programme of IAEA is a highly important part of the Agency's activities. I should like to make two points on this score: first, technical assistance and safeguards should go hand in hand; and, secondly, particular attention should be devoted to satisfying the needs of developing countries. Hungary, within its modest means, wishes to continue its contribution to the technical assistance activity of the Agency. 75. Hungary, as a party to the non-proliferaticn--.r.iel!ty, attaches extreme importance to the Agency's activity in the field of safeguards. My delegation is satisfied to note that a number of countries have signed the safeguards agreement with the Agency and that the number of States which have ratified the non-proliferation Treaty or have acceded to it has increased to 104. We deem it to be an important task to eliminate further delay in the application of the safeguards agreements concluded with IAEA. 76. The HU!1garian delegation considers the question of ~trel1g~eni~g the non-proliferation regime and of securing Its umversahty as one of fundamental importance, because the prevention of the further spread of nuclear weapons 83. The States members of the European Communities have followed with great attention the report of the Director General and the analysis he has given of the recent trends in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. They have noted and they share h;s concern that the benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be realized consistent with an effective policy of non- proliferation. The Agency has played in the past, and will certainly also play in the future, a very important role in achieving a 'high degree of international co-operation and partnership, which is necessary if this goal is to be achieved. 77. The relationship between the expansion of inter- national co-operation for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the system of safeguards, as wen as the tasks of the Agency, received new prominence in the Final Docu- ment adopted by the tenth special session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was devoted to disarma- ment [resolution 8-10/2}. 78. The second. review conference of the States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons will take place in 1980, and the Agency will have to play a significant: role in its preparation, just as it did in that of the first Conference. May I in this connexion voice the hope of the Hungarian delegation that the preparations for the second review Conference will similarly result in a wider adherence to the non-proliferation Treaty. 84. As the Director General has indicated, the Agency has further expanded its wide-ranging activities in the various aspects of the uses of nuclear energy. The States members of the European Communities would like to stress again how much they appreciate the valuable work of the Agency, for example, in the development of nuclear safety standards and on the question of radiological protection. They recognize the usefulness to all the Agency's members of the exchange of nuclear data through the world-wide network of the International Nuclear Information System and the advice and assistance which the Agency provides in the demonstration of the uses of isotopes in medicine, iJ;1 agriculture, in industry and in other fields. They likewise acknowledge the important role of the IAEA International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste in fostering the advancement of theoretical physics. They also support the Agency's continued efforts to foster international co- operation and the exchange of knowledge in the field of advanced reactors to which they attach importance for the future development of nuclear energy. '79. As a party to the non-proliferation Treaty, Hungary, which is poor in energy sources and is at present engaged in the construction of its first nuclear power plant, is interested both in maintaining good and close relations with the Agency and in taking an active part in its work. This is further supported and complemented by my country's membership in the Board of Governors. On this basis a broad co-operation has developed between Hungary and the Agency, which is fruitful for both partie;,;. To cite but one example, 23 foreign specialists went to Hungary last October within the framework of a study tour organized by the Agency to study protection from radiation and the method used for the treatment and lasting storage of radioactive waste. I take this opportunity to note my Governmen1's satisfaction over the happily existing rela- tions between Hungary and the Agency and to express our readiness for a continued vigorous development of our co-operation. 85. In providing the forum and ~the mechanisms for <1n extensive exchange of scientific and technical knowledge on nuclear issues, the Agency has also shown its potential as an organization which can make an important contribution tu the world-wide debate on nuclear questions by helping to place the debate on a broader, better informed and more objective basis. 80. The Hungarian delegation gives favourable considera- tion to the draft resolution A/33/L.5/Rev.1 submitted by Saudi Arabia. In connexion with operat:ve paragraph 5 of the draft, relating to the enlargement of the Board of Governors of the Agency, we would have preferred the wording of the relevant resolution of the twenty-second regular session of the General Conference of IAEA. 86. The States members of the European Communities welcome the Agency's role in the elaboration of the convention on the physical protection of nuclear material. As a broad consensus on the scope of this convention has been worked out at the recent meeting in September, they_ hope that a convention can be rapidly concluded. 81. The Hungarian delegation approves and supports the report of the Agency Clnd, appreciating the Agency's previous activities and having confidence in its future work, hopes that the draft resolution dealing with the report of the Agency will be adopted by consensus. 87. The technical assistance programme of the Agency has over the years won a high reputation in the transfer of know-how and experience in the nuclear field. The States members of the European Communities welcome the measures initiated by the Agency in order to increase the efficient implementation of this important programme tQ which they will continue to make a substantial con- tribution.

On behalf of the member States of the European Communities I should like to thank the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Sigvard Eklund, for his thorough and comprehensive 89. The implementation, in ac:f. :dance with the Treaty on the Non-Prt)iiferation of Nuclear Weapons, of the verifica- tion agreement between IAEA, EURATOM and non- nuclear-weapon States members of EURATOM, which covers substantially more nuclear installations than any other safeguards agreement; has made good progress. Under the agreement, sensitive and complex installations of a type never before safeguarded by the Agency are now within the scope of Tr~aty safeguards. The great majority of the more detailed control procedures for the various installations have been finalized. 90. It should also be pointed out that the two nuclear- weapon States members of the European Communities have accepted the application of IAEA safeguards on their territory. These arrangements and the similar offer of the United States represent effective steps in fostering a comprehensive non-proliferation policy, because they will allow the gathering of practical experience for all parties concerned and because they avoid any impression of privileges in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, privileges which are not implied by the principle of non-proliferation. We hope that the example set by these countries will be followed by other nuclear-weapon States. 91. The States members of the European Communities welcome the initiative taken by the Agency to supplement its existing safeguards system by the elaboration of a scheme of international plutonium storage in compliance with the provisions of its statute. Such a system would provide an additional assurance to the international com- munity that plutonium derived from peaceful nuclear activities would not be diverted to military purposes, while remaining available to States in the context of their national energy policies. 92. We welcome the fact that IAEA has in many respects served as a forum and has on numerous occasions provided important and substantial contributions to the Inter- national Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation. The Evaluation, which is open to all interested States, has offered a useful and timely opportunity to study the various technical, economic and institutional elements connected with the further development of nuclear energy in compliance with the aims of non-proliferation. Also, the involvement of the Agency enables member States not directly participating in the Evaluation to be informed about its proceedings. We have observed with satisfaction that' the discussions now taking place in connexion with the Evaluation are realistic and pragmatic, and we hope that the Evaluation will identify a combination of institutional and technical measures which could enjoy broad support. 93. The Agency will play an important role in a number of forthcoming conferences which will make possible the full 94. In conclusion, I would like to express the hope that the Agency will continue its work in the interest of the further development of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Agency, under the wise guidance of its Director General, Mr. Sigvard Eklund, has shown its capacity for tackling numerous tasks in the past and its potential for a further expanded role in the future.

I should like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my delegation to Mr. Eklund for introducing the report of IAEA. As this Assembly is accustomed to expect, his statement today, as well as the report itself, was a commendable presentation of the performance of the important tasks that are entrusted to the Agency. I wish to thank Mr. Eklund and his staff for their work. 96. In an in~reasing number of countries, nuclear energy is seen as a vital element in the quest for social and economic development. As nuclear technology and materials are unevenly distributed, access to nuclear energy has become a major international issue. At the same time: there is an increasing awareness that the spread of nuclear technology must not lead to the proliferation of nuclear weapons, with the obvious ensuing dangers to international peace and security. 97. The role of IAEA is to promote the peaceful applica- tions of nuclear energy while ensuring that nuclear energy is not used in such a way as to further any military purposes. In the view of my delegation, a wider use of nuclear energy and the prevention of nuclear proliferation are indeed complementary, rather than contradictory, aims,.and they should be pursued concomitantly. In our view, this basic principle is properly reflected in the Agency's work. In addition to the spread of peaceful nuclear facilities, the advancement of nuclear technology continues to pose new challenges to the Agency. The extent of the problems before the Agency was well illustrated in the statement-that Mr. Eklund delivered at the twenty-second session of the General Conference of the Agency, as well as in his statement of today {41st meeting}, and in. his presentation of the Agency's programme for the years 1979 and 1984. The strengthening of the safeguards systems of the Agency is called for in the face of the development of nuclear technologies. My delegation is satisfied that the budget of the Agency for 1979 was adopted in a form ~hich will strengthen its controlling hand so as to enable. it to keep pace with its.growing responsibilities. 98. My delegation also notes with satisfaction that the number of safeguards agreements between the Agency and 99. Also, other measures aimed at strengthening the non-proliferation Treaty seem to be advancing favourably. A draft convention on the' physical security of nuclear materials is expected to be concluded during the first half of next year. The idea of international plutonium manage- ment is also being studied and developed. 100. The past performance of IAEA can only make my delegation confident that the Agency's role can be further strengthened and that it will remain .an indispensable tool for the international community in the field of nuclear energy.

It is no exaggeration to say that splitting the atom and using it as a source of energy is one of the greatest achievements of the scientific genius of our century. It has opened up before mankind unheard of prospects for further research and use of our earth, of outer space and of other celestial bodies. For the time being we still are forced to talk about such development only as potential because the very same principle of splitting the atom can also lead to the complete desolation of our planet, to the end of the existence of every living thing on earth. Accordingly, the States have a choice either to increase the threat of a world nuclear war through a new round in the qualitative and quantitative growth of nuclear weapons or to shift to specific steps to limit weapons, ~o disarm and to use for peaceful purposes alone the atom which has been split. 106. As the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Eklund, told us at the tenth special session of the General Assembly,3 13 States which do not possess nuclear weapons now possess nuclear reactors and other installations and they are not parties to the non-proliferation Treaty. In eight of these 13 countries all the important nuclear installations, it is true, are encompassed by the IAEA safeguards, but for those States there are no legal limitations which would prevent them from acquiring installations which are not covered by IAEA safeguards. What is more, a number of those countries already have installations which are not subject to the safeguards. In fact this means that at the present time a number of States, among them Israel and South Africa, which have been repeatedly condemned by the United Nations for their inhuman policy, sooner or later will be able to produce nuclear weapons, thereby posing a further . threat to peace. We ask the question, Who gives the peoples a guarantee that these States, as is often alleged, intend to use nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes? 102. Every person who acts reasonably and who is aware of his responsibility can choose only the peaceful alterna- tive, but it is insufficient to acknowledge this in w'"'Tds. Every State is obligated to the peoples of the world to make its contribution to lessening the threat of a nuclear war. 103. The German Democratic Republic submits that the further dissemination of nuclear weapons, that is to say, an increase in the number of States which produce nuclear weapons, is leading to an increase in the threat to world peace and security. The security of any given State will not be increased through the acquisition or production of nuclear weapons. On the contrary,' other States may feel that they are forced for their part to arm themselves with this weapon and that will lead to a new upsurge in the armaments race. On that basis my country has joined the 104 States parties to the nuclear non-proliferation Tieaty and those States have thereby willingly renounced the possession of nuclear weapons. The German Democratic Republic has placed all its activities in the use of atomic energy under the control of the IAEA system of safeguards, thereby proving that it is using nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes. We do not feel that this system of safeguards is discriminatory because those safeguards are being applied by an international organization and the 104. We have been presented with the report of the Director General of IAEA. It is clear from that report that the Agency, whose work we commend, has further in- creased its efforts in order, on the one hand, to make its supervisory functions mor~ effective, that is to strengthen the non-proliferation regime, and, on the other hand, it has increased its efforts to give States even more assistance and more support in the matter of the peaceful uses of atomic energy. In light of the fact that this development is in keeping with the position of the German Democratic Republic, we approve the report and we express to the Director General of IAEA our gratitude for the work which has been done. 105. We are concem.ed by the fact that thus far the non··proliferation regime cannot be considered universal and that accord;ngly the danger of a further spread of nuclear weapons has not yet been eliminated. 107. We think that it is a dangerous mistake to presuppose that the "nuclear alternative" remains a possibility and that it promotes the strengthening of international and national security of States and we would like to draw attention to the heavy responsibility of States which export nucle~r technology. 108. At a time when the majority of non-nuclear States which are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of N!1clear Weapons are unreservedly applying the IAEA system of safeguards to their nuclear activities, we are witnessing attempts to complicate the work of IAEA and to prevent that agency from carrying out its supervisory function. We think, for example, that the time has come.to 109. The German Democratic Republic supports every initiative which is intended to lessen the threat of prolifera- tion of nuclear weapons or the misuse of nuclear fuel, technology, installations and information for military pur- poses. In this spirit we advocate concluding a universal international agreement on the physical safeguarding of nuclear materials, installations and shipments. The estab- lishment of multinational regional centres for the full nuclear fuel cycle in turn would lessen the danger of any individual State's using uranium for the production of weapons. 110. The German Democratic Republic is participating in the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation in order to promote a strengthening of the regime for the non- proliferation of nuclear weapons. Ill. At the same time, the German Democratic Republic is an active partner in international co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 112.. In conclusion, my delegation would like to em- phasize that the activities of IAEA have neither in the past nor at present been a hindrance to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy; on the contrary, they promote them. The German Democratic Republic will in future continue to give every possible support to that Agency.

It is always a pleasure to be able to address this Assembly on the subject of the report of IAEA. That report, which has been transmitted to the members of the Assembly by document A/33/145, attests as usual to the extremely important work being carried out by the Agency on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 114. IAEA is one of the mon; successful organizations within the United Nations system. Within the limits of the resources made available to it, the Agency has a good record in meeting its two primary responsibilities- development and application of safeguards required under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and other arrangements, and the development of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including, in particular, the provision of technical assistance to developing countries. 115. The report provides us with an account of the activities undertaken by the Agency in 1977. I shall not go into them at length here. However, a few of these particular activities deserve special mention. In this category I should include the assessment of uranium resources, the study on the international management of plutonium and spent fuel, IAEA assistance in negotiations on a text for a convention on the physical protection of nuclear material; organiza- tional support :tIfovided by IAEA for the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation and work on nuclear safety and protection of the environment. 116. The role and importance of IAEA will grow in the next decade or so because the role of nuclear power will 117. We cannot consider the question of the peaceful use of nuclear energy without also considering the prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Australian Govern- ment believes that universal adherence to the non- proliferation Treaty would provide the most effective international political regime' for preventing the further spread of nuclear weapons. It also considers that non- nuclear-weapon States need to be assured of access to nuclear technology for their economic and social develop- ment. The current challenge before us is to fmd W3,yS in which nuclear energy can be developed without com- promising non-proliferation objectives. My Government has taken several steps to meet this challenge. 118. First, it decided last year to proceed with the further mining and export of Australian uranium to provide, at reasonable prices, supplies of uranium fuel to countries tlvlt need them. Because of our concern for non-proliferation we have decided that our uranium exports to non-nuclear- weapon States will be limited to those which are parties to the non-proliferation Treaty, and therefore comply with the requirements which have been set by IAEA and which abide by the terms of special bilateral treaties. 119. Secondly, we are participating actively in the Inter- national Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation study which was launched last year. This study is specifically·addressed to the problem of developing nuClear energy in ways con- sistent with non-proliferation objectives. It could result, for example, in the international control of sensitive elements of the nuclear fuel cycle. 120. The Australian Government believes that by these actions we can contribute to a climate of confidence which will foster stable nuclear trade and closer international co-operation on nuclear matters. Our basic concern is to assure all nations, including those which are not parties to our uranium sales contracts, that our uranium and any material derived from it will be used only for peaceful purposes. It is better to have confident nuclear co-operation and trade under effective safeguards than to have these exchanges marred by suspicion and fear. We look to the further evolution of co-operative arrangements that are essential to trust and a safer nuclear world. The Auu,ilian Government regards the role of JAEA as central to any international effort in this sphere and it is committed to contribute to IAEA efforts to improve and develop safeguard systems and enhance international co-operation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, especially technical assistance. 121. My delegation has always considered it appropriate that resolutions presented under the item under which ~AEA's annual report is considered should be adopted by consensus. This practice reflects the universal support that exists for the Agency's activities. My delegation bcm~:ves that all delegations s~are this view, and accordingly we urge

Mr. President, I should like through you to congratulate the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Eklund, on his excellent report for the calendar year 1977. Canada, as a founding member of the Agency, has consistently supported the Agency in its pursuit of two main objectives: the increase of the contribution of nuclear energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world, while at the same time ensuring as far as possible that peaceful uses of nuclear energy cl~ not contribute to the proliferation of nuclear explosive capabilities. To carry out those objectives, the Agency is engaged in agreed inspection and verification procedures and in the transfer through the technical assistance programme of nuclear experience and know-how. 124. We are gratified to note the furtherance of the first aim as reflected in paragraph 51 of the Agency's report, •which states that the increase in technical assistance 'expenditures in 1977 was the largest in the history of the regular programme. The Canadian Government was equally pleased to see that further States have acceded to the non-proliferation Treaty and that the Agency has signed safeguard agreements with more States over the past year. Canada, along with others, is making a substantial con- tribution to further research and development in safeguards technology. 125. My Government's view is that the opportunities for States to develop a programme for peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to htJ,ve access to technology, equipment and materials for that purpose must be balanced by the recognition of responsibilities to avoid the risk of prolifera- tion of nuclear explosive capability. We are happy that" as indicated in paragraph 10 of the Agency's report, the Agency is participating actively in the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation. We consider that this objective evaluation will contribute to both goals of the Agency by expanding our knowledge about and understanding of the various nuclear fuel cycle technologies and of their pro- liferation risks. That will be useful both for countries which now have nuclear.energy programmes and those considering the undertaking of such programmes. 126. We wish to express our confidence that IAEA, under the vigorous leadership 'of its distinguished Director Gen- eral, will continue as an effective international mechanism of great value to the entire world community.

The annual report of IAEA provides us with the opportunity to consider once tgain a problem that is of the greatest importance to those countries which are resolutely embarked upon the road of economic and social progress. Indeed, the wide range of uses of the atom for peaceful purposes, with the promising prospects which it opens up, 128. Romania, as a developing socialist country that is determined to use nuclear energy in implementing its economic and social development programmes, is firmly in favour of guaranteeing to all States, under advantageous conditions, extensive and unhindered access to the latest technology on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Ro- mania considers that all countries have the right to employ nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It is an inalienable right which derives directly from their sovereignty and independence and is inseparable from the right of nations to develop their countries. 129. That is the context in which we view the role of lAEA in international relations today. 130. The Romanian Government has already expressed its views on the activities of the Agency during the General Conference in Vienna last September. While we have a positive appreciation of all of the Agency's activities, which, as in the past, have benefited from the high professional competence, wide experience and the well~ known dedication of the Director General, Mr. Sigvard Eklund, we singled out the measures taken to support the efforts of the States members, notably through the Agency's technical assistance programme. 131. None the less, it seems opportune to note that despite these measures much remains to be done so that the Agency may respond to an even greater extent to the legitimate requirements of the member countries, especially the developing nations, for technical assistance. We cannot subscribe to the trend which has become more and more obvious in recent years of directing an ever greater part of the activities of the Agency to its control function at the cost of its basic function, that· is, providing technical assistance for the promotion of the peaceful uses of nuclear entrgy for the benefit of all peoples. Like other countries, Romania has made its pOint of view known in this regard, together with its suggestions for ensuring a fair balance between these aspects of the Agency's activities. In our opinioil the time has come to study these propos~ls and suggestions carefully so that they may be followed up properly. 132. Another extremely important function of the Agency is the promotion of the full and unhindered access of all countries, especially the developing countries, tQ nuclear technology, materials and equipment, especially in relation to the introduction of nuclear energy. In our view it is a serious anomaly that a whole series of scientific discoveries, especially in the nuclear field, .should be reserved for the benefit of certain countries only or that they should be the object of monopoly politics. In spite of th~ reasons invoked-the most frequent being the pretext concerning the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons-sucJ;1 a policy can only damage the legitimate interests of other countries and, in general, international co-operation. 134. In the light of those requirements, it seems to us that the Hme has come for the Agency to occupy itself more resolutely with the creation of better conditions for equitable international co·operation in the field of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 135. Speaking more generally, we should like to see the Agency more actively associated with the efforts to build a just and equitable new international economic order, a task to which the United Nations has already dedicated itself for many years. 136. It is in that spirit that Romania has proposed the drafting and adoption of a detailed programme of action, under the auspices of the Agency, in regard to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In this context we wish to note the participation, during the last session of the General Con- ference, of the Group of 77 in the work of IAEA. That is a remarkable event, which we heartily welcome. We are convinced that it will have beneficial consequences for the orientation of the Agency's programmes, and especially for its practical activities. 137. While we appreciate the efforts of and the results thus far achieved by the Agency, as well as the basic guidelines and principal actions set forth in its programme of work from now until 1984, we should like to emphasize the need for a permanent improvement in the activities of the Agency and in its adaptation to its ever-growing requirements and tasks. 138. At the same time, we wish to highlight the need for adequate resources to be made available to the Agency to enable it better to satisfy the requests for assistance from the developing countries. In that context, we express our support for the initiative of the developing countries of Africa and the Middle East and South Asia, designed to ensure a more eqUitable representation of their regions in the Board of Governors. This initiative is part of the efforts which must be undertaken to make the Agency more democratic, to improve its structures and to enable it to meet the present requirements of intemationallife, which bear witness to the ever-more-vigorous affrrmation of the developing country on the world scene. I'}. Pursuant to the invitation the General Assembly extended in that resolution to all States to make known their views on the convening of an international conference or conferences aimed at promoting international co- operation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the Government of Romania submitted its views on the matter to the Secretary-General [A/33/332, sect. I1J. Other Gov- ernments, too, have informed the Secretary-General of their opinions on the subject. We have not, however, been able so far to learn what those opinions are, for the simple reason that the Secretary-General's report requested in resolution 32/50 was distributed only yesterday and, therefore, it has not been possible to study it yet. 141. In those circumstances, we for our part wish to emphasize that Romania supports the convening, under the auspices of the United Nations, of an international con· ference to promote international co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. As we see it, that conference will be called u[(Jon to stimulate the political will of States to ensure that the peaceful applications of nudear energy become basic components of programmes to raise the economic and social level of the peoples and gradually to reduce and fmaily to eliminate the economic gaps and underdevelopment. 142. We have in mind a who!e series of objectives that should be entrusted to this conference, particularly the adoption of measures to ensure broad, unhindered transfer of nuclear technologies and the establishment of a preferen- tial system for the developing countries in their trade, technical and scientific relations with respect to nuclear materi31. 143. We express our conviction that other States also will support the convening of such a conference, which cannot faH to contribute, in present international conditions, to the extension of the peaceful applications of nuclear energy and to serve as a catalyst for nuclear co-operation among States.

The Pakistan delegation would like to express its appreciation to the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Eklund, for his comprehensive statement this morning [41st meetingJ regarding the activities of the Agency. 145. Pakistan attaches primary importance to the work of IAEA, which we consider essential for the promotion of economic and social development, as well as for peace and security. 146. It is necessary to recall here that the Agency has under its statute two functions: the first is the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, particularly in the developing countries; and the second is its safeguards 147. The availability of adequate sources of energy is a prerequisite for the development of all countries, and in the coming years of the developing countlies particularly. The demand for energy will increase more rapidly in the developing countries than in the developed countries during the next few decades. Most developing countries are deficient in fossil fuel and other traditional sources of energy, and with the recent revaluation of oil prices the energy import bills of these countries have risen to onerous levels. It is therefore essential for them to acquire alternate means of meeting their growing energy requirements. Solar energy and other new sources of power are still in an experimental stage and will not contribute in any sub- stantial way, at least dUring the next decade or so, to bridging the energy gap. 148. The only viable means of bridging this gap in the near future is nuclear energy. The rapid development of nuclear power must therefore be a priority objective for the third world. However, this objective is today threatened by the trend towards greater restrictions on international co- operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The thesis now propounded is that the development of nuclear energy in the third world poses a special danger of nuclear proliferation; that not only international safeguards but also restraints should be applied against developing coun- tries in the transfer of nue' JaY" technology; and that certain sensitive technologies should not be transferred to them at all, even under international safeguards. 149. As Mr. Eklund stated this morning, "there is no correlation between the spread of nuclear weapons and that of nuclear power" [41st meeting, para. 13J. Nevertheless, as the Director General put it, "the opponents of nuclear power persist, irrationally, in maintaining that nuclear power leads to proliferation" [ibidJ. Unfortunately, the policies of certain supplier States have exhibited this tendency more and more during the last few years. We sincerely hope that the policies and actions of the Agency will reflect only those directives that emerge from its own governing body or from this Assembly, and not guidelines evolved in selective conclaves of supplier States. 150. The imposition of discriminatory restrictions on the developing countries will not help non-proliferation. It will merely erode the vital element of consent on which all non-proliferation efforts must,in the ultimate analysis, ~est. 151. Yet, is non-proliferation the real reason for the current manifestations of discrimination? Although the 152. Last year, the General Assembly adopted by con- sensus resolutiun 32/50, which affirmed the right of all States, without discrimination or hindrance, to develop or acquire nuclear teclmology for peaceful purposes in ac- cordance with their interests, needs and priorities. At the tenth special session of the General Assembly, devoted to disarmament, those provisions were confirmed and further elaborated. This resolution accommodated the legitimate preoccupations of all States and represented a genuine consensus on this subject. 153. Pakistan supports the convening of one or more international conferences to promote co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, as recommended in resolution 32/50. We believe that the objectives of such a conference or conferences should be, first, to secure an agreement for the promotion of the transfer of nuclear technology, equipment, facilities and fuel, especially to the developing countries, and, secondly, to build a truly universal 'and non-4iscriminatory sy~tem of nuclear co- operation among all States. 154. The present situation is, however, a'.tonishing in its inequity. While some non-nuclear-weapon States that pos- sess the complete nuclear fuel cycle without safeguards are considered eligible for nuclear co-operation and while co-operation is continued with countries such as South Africa and Israel, which have both also manifestly breached the non-proliferation regime, other non-nuclear-weapon States that have accepted internation,:\l safeguards and given all necessary assurances are subjected to unilateral re- straints. Non-proliferation efforts are being directed at the wrong countries for the wrong reasons and at the wrong time. 155. Unless the discriminatory features of the present situation are redressed, the political conditions for a truly effective system of non-proliferation will continue to evade the international community. We hope that the major 156. We do not consider that the holding of an inter- national conference on nuclear power and its fuel cycle,~s proposed by IAEA, should pre-empt the convenirig of the conference envisaged in General Assembly resolution 32/50. The Salzburg-type conference will not deal specifically with the question of promoting international co·operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Nor is the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation designed to serve the objectives envisaged by the General Assembly. Its premises and purposes are, as we know, quite different. Nor do we endorse the view that the holding of a second review conference of the States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1980 should be a reason not to convene a conference on peaceful nuclear co-operation. The last Review Conference in Geneva failed even to take cognizance of this basic issue; far less did it build any agreed course of action on it. We wonder whether the next conference win go much further in the direction desired by the developing countries. On the other hand, the second review conference may well btnefit from the conclusions and decisions reached on the subject of peaceful nuclear technology by the conference proposed in resolution 32/50. Without an agreement on this vital subje,;t it m.\y prove extremely difficult to evolve the con~"nsus on ways and means of preventing proliferation called for in th,e Final Document of the tenth special session, devoted \:0 disarmament. 157. My delegation has been pleased to join in sponsoring, along with Yugoslavia and other developing countries, draft resolution A/33/L.6/Rev.l, which invited fur~her views on the question of convening an international conference on the peaceful use of nuclear technology. We hope that this draft resolution, which is largely procedural in nature and merely reiterates provisions already adopted by consensus last year, will be adopted by consensus. We hope that by next year substantial replies will be received from more States, especially from developing countries, on this subject. 158. The Pakistan delegation was indeed happy to have received the original version of draft resolution A/33/L.5, which was introduced very eloquently by the representative of Saudi Arabia this morning. The proposal to have a modest increase in the representation, of the regions of Africa and the Middle East and South Asia on t~ Board of Governors is most reasonable. This proposal has the support of the majority of the States members of IAEA, including that of the Group of 77. The continuing reservations which a handful of States have with regard to this proposal fly in the face of the inevitable surge towards greater equity in representation on the Board of Governors. Further delay may make an agreement for a limited, rather than a larger. increase even more difficult. 159. Having said that, may I add that we are however deeply concerned that in its revised version [A/33/L.5/ Rev.l] the draft resolutiGn includes in its eighth pre· ambular paragraph a reference to General Assembly resolu· 160. Secondly, resolution 32/87 F was considered last year, not in connexion with the discussion of the IAEA report, but in the First Committee in the context of the disarmament items. We believe that it has no place in this draft resolution, which deals with the report of IAEA. 161. Thirdly, the resolution in question was adopted- unlike resolution 32/50-by a vote, not by consensus. Numerous developing countries, including Pakistan, ab· stained in the vote on the text because of its endorsement of a discriminatory approach to the questions of non- proliferation and peaceful nuclear technology. Many impor- tant developing countries even refused to participate in the vote as a mark of protest against the imposition of that discriminatory approach in the First Committee. Those countries included Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and India, among others. 162. While presenting the draft resolution at the previous meeting, the representative of Saudi Arabia expressed his desire not to introduce any wn.troversy into the discussion on this subject. In modify2ng the text of draft resolution A/33/L.5 we are sure that it was not Ambassador Baroody's intention to introduce any controversial point. But the fact remains that the inclusion of the reference to resolution 32/87 F has introduced an element of controversy in the draft resolution. As I said earlier, resolution 32/50 was adopted by consensus; resolution 32/87 F was adopted in a very controversial vote. In view of that my delegation hopes that the much respected representative of Saudi Arabia will agree to maintain the original text of document A/33/L.5 and delete the reference to resolution 32/87 F in the eighth preambular paragraph. 163. We would not wish to be obliged to submit a formal proposal for that purpose, and it is the sincere hope of my delegation that, as is the tradition, the General Assembly will fmd it possible to adopt this draft resolution by consensus.

I should like to thank Mr. Eklund, the Director General of IAEA, for the annual report presented by him and his additional remarks concerning the Agency's activities during the past year and the important tasks before it. My delegation is confident that, under the leadership of Mr. Eklund, IAEA will prove to be a useful mechanism of value to the entire world community, and particularly to developing countries which are in need of its assistance. 165. In recent years the responsibilities of IAEA have assumed great importance, and the question often asked is whether the Agency will be equal to the tasks expected of it. It is now obvious that the world as a whole faces a serious energy problem. The increasing energy needs of the future lead us to the conclusion that the development of nuclear as well as solar energy represents practical alterr.a· tives to present sources of energy. These alternatives cannot be developed on a global scale without all-round inter· national co-operation. My delegation would reiterate its 167. To achieve the twin objectives of the present age, namely, the bridging of the energy gap resulting from. the rapid exhaustion of fossil fuel resources and minimizing the disparities in per capita. consumption of energy among nations, fullest advantage of nuclear tecnnology should be taken. Nuclear power 1s at present technically and com- mercially feasible; therefore, nothing should be done that will retard progress in that direction, subject of course to adequate measures to safeguard health and the en- vironment. 168. IAEA has an essential role to play in helping the transfer of nuclear technology to low energy consumption areas so that they can catch. up with the advanced industrialized world before the end of the century. 169. lAEA appears to be heavily preoccupied in the realm of safeguards. Those who shout from house-tops about non-proliferation should be clear in their minds that what is desired is the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The protagoni,,;;s of the non-proliferation theory do not seem to be aware of the danger of nuclear-weapon proliferation, which continues to increase to perilous proportions. Those who are occupied in the manufacture of nuclear weapons have no moral base to preach the prevention of the flow of nuclear teclu,clogy to those who :leed it for peaceful purposes. 170. If the thixd-world cOWluies are to catch Up' with. the race in fignting poverty they should be helped to overcome the. difficultie.s rebting. to nuclear energy development in their countries. The main function of lAEA is to pool and ~sseminate knowledge on the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and not mexely to play the role of watch and wacd fOf the non-p.J;oliferation Ttea.ty. 171. One 01 the. mQst. importap;t functions of the Agency is in th~ Ue.ld of the te,clWcal assi~tan.ce prog.camme; h9w~ver, a$ is evicle.nt from the apnual repod before us, it h~ c9nHn\.l~d to be i.nad~qua.te. As stated by the Directer Ge.m~r!l1 in his state.me.nt), t1:le te,chmcal ~&\stap.ce budget is no moJ::e than $11.5 mUUOl\~ where3$ the safeg.u~dsbu<;lger i~ of the onle.J:: of $15 nUUiol\. TajQng. into consid.eration v!lriplJs filctofa, s\\cn ~ cwrency fluctuations.ap.d infiation, th~ t~~lm~~ ~si$tance pIOgra"mme of the Ag.ency has h,m:lly r~&i~t~red ~y growth in (ea.l term~,over the past few Y1311fi. llW mpqetafY valu~ of the te\;hnic?) a~istance prpvjp~~ by thc Agency. from all SQ\lr~e§. during 1977 w~'l oOly slightly hiaher than tht{ prt{viQu~ year. It is.ironic that th~ resp»rqes. for th~ t~"hni~ assis,tar.~pJ;o@:amm~should b$l vuluomry q()ntri~utiQn~ \Xhil~ th~ h\.H,ig~t fQr s~eguards should b~ fmanWQ; fto-m a.~ p~ments:. We should m~~ a IDpry r~a)j~ti't l\S.~lUUt}nt of the rell:\tive benefits 172. In his statement this morning the Director General said that the A~cJ'lcy's role in prevehting nuclellr.wcllpon proliferation had first ptiority. We sh<'>u:d not delude olJrselves by il'lHigilling thot the Agency's contribution to non.prolifetatiOt\ is al'iythin~. but matginal to the nucleur- arms race. I am glad ttJ note that the Director General recognizes this. for he said this 111ornin~: "let lJ~ never forget the renl threat to peace represented by the grl'wing arsenals of fiuclear weapons" /41st me-eting, para. 10/. It is a pity that the Agency has no role to play in regard to the real threat posed by the pr<Jliferatiol) of nuclear weapOrl.s by nuclear..wenpM States; 173. rhe percentage distribution of funds lJinong different types of as.~istance continued to remain at the level of the 10.yeat avert:ge and in certain areas, such as the grant of fellowships and equipmen t, it even showed some decline. Since IA~A is at present undertakin~the work of preparing revised guidelines for the provision of technical assistance to its member States, my delegation hopes that some member States wilT not persist in their efforts to inject principles contrary to th~ provisions of the IAEA statute into those gUidelines. We also hope that the Agency will not allow itself to be used a~ a channel for administering voluntary technical assistance conttibutions by certain member States if such offers are subject to discriminatory and preferential pre-conditions. 174. My country adheres dearly and unequivocally to the principles of the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and positively stands against its use for military purposes. At the "1me time we cannot subscribe to discriminatory treatment in regard to the application of safeguards, because if safeguards are to be truly effective they should be applied uniformly and universally to all nucl~ar actiVIties in all States without discriminatif)n. 175. My delegation also feels that IAEA has not achieved the right' balance between activities relating to the promo- tion of the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and those connected with safeguards. This is a matter of continuing concern and needs to be rectified. We regret to note that the Agency's budget continues to reflect an inexcusable imbalance in expenditure on safeguards activi- ties and on its promotional activitie'S. The expenditure on safeguards activities' has registered sizeable increases every year. The voluntary offers made by some nuclear-weapon Stat~:t to place a few of their fal;ilities under IAEA safeguards could result in a further increase in the safe- IDJards component of the budget of the Agency. This particular portion of the expenditure should properly be borne by the nuclear-weapon States concerned. We are unable. to appreciate why such expenditure, which is unrelated to non-proliferation, should be fmanced by the Ag,ency. 176. My delegation would like to reiterate its conviction that atomic energy, which can make important contribu- 177. Mr. ALDO~NOZ (Ecuador) (interpretation from Spanisll): the question of the peaceful use of nuclear energy fo.t economic and social development is of particular interest to a developing country such as Ecuador because We are very fimch aware of the need to find new sources of energy in order to make progress towards the objective of lessening the gap that sepa~ates the powerful from the weaker States in the international community. 178. At a tUrte when other sources of energy are becoming problematical, it would seem logical, and immediately feasible, to explore the possibility of using atomic energy for peaceful purposes, with proper safeguards. It is here that IAEA can fulfil its main role, which is to be a source of support for the use of atomic energy for constructive purposes in the technical co·operation, the transfer of technology, and the research and training required to make progress in carrying out our respective programmes. 179. We wish first of all to express our congratulations to the Director General of the Agency for his work as reflected in the excellent report which is before us. It is very impressive to see the ir.creasing number of countries which already have nuclear power reactors, particularly since among them there are even some developing coun- tries. There are also some qmtl: significant new initiatives aimed at creating centres for the transformation and enrichment of nuclear fuel. Wha\. is most important is that the number of nuclear plants subject to the safeguards of the Agenl~Y should increase. We want to reaffirm our confidence in the Agency and also our belief in the need to work towards universal adherence to the non-proliferation Treaty, for, even though 104 countries have become parties to the Treaty, there are other -countries with nuclear capability that have not yet adhered to the Treaty. This would be a very positive step towards guaranteeing the use of nudear energy for peaceful purposes only, which is so important for countries to make dynamic progress in their development programmes. 180. Ecuador, which, like the majority of the Latin American countries, has been a signatory from the very outset of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America (Treaty of Tlatelolcn), feels that, apart from the prohibition of nuclear weapons in our region, we should also make some progress towards the peaceful use in the immediate future ofatomic energy with full safeguards, so that neither the installations nor the nuclear waste of any country should ever be used for military purposes, or should ever represent a danger to anyone. It is for this reason that we can also say that the ideas which were presented by the Latin American coun- 182. In Ecuador we have our own Ecuadorian Commission for Atomic Energy, which has been established on a very high level and which has plans for applying nuclear energy in agriculture, industry, medicine, mining exploration, and even in archeological research. Having those aims in view, and with the technical assistance of IAEA, we are now ready to install our first nuclear reactor. In September 1976 our Government adopted a plan for nuclear development. 183. We shall give our full support to draft resolution A/33/L.5/Rev.l, proposed by the representative of Saudi Arabia, the more so since the amendments very clearly include the mention of all the regions which need to be better represented in the Board of Governors of IAEA 184. For the same reasons, we are sponsoring draft resolution A/33/L.6/Rev.l which deals with international conferences which will lead to increased international co-operation for the peaceful uses of atomic energy. We hope that this draft resolution will also be adopted by con~nsus.

I should like to inform representa- tives that a further revision of ~h'aft resolution A/33/L.5/ Rev. I has just been submitted by its sponsor [AI33; L.5lRev.2]. Since there is no time to circu!ate the new text in all tine official languages, with the permission of the General Assembly, I shall indicate the minor changes involved. 186. First, in the preambular part, the penultimate para- graph beginning with the word "Recalling" has been deleted. 187. ~condly, in .operative paragraph 4 the following words have been added after the word "Agency": "bearing in mind resolution 32/50 of 8 December 1977". The paragraph thus reads: "4. Notes with interest the intention of the Inter- national Atomic Energy Agency to hold another major international ccnference on nuclear power and its fuel cycle, similar to the one held in Salzburg in May 1977, and requests the Agency, bearing in mind resolution 32/50 of 8 December 1977, to consider broadening ..." and the rest of the paragraph remains unchanged. 188. Thirdly, in operative paragraph 5, in the fIrst line the word "further" has been replaced by the words "thorough, us. Invites the International Atomic Energy Agency to give thorough, prompt and fair consideration to the proposals for an increase in the representation of the areas of Africa and the Middle East and South Asia on the Board of Governors, with a view to reaching an early decision". 189. The General Assembly will now take a decision on the two dmft resolutions before it. 190. We turn first to draft resolution A/33/L.S/Rev.2, entitled "Report of the lntemational Atomic Energy Agency". May I consider that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/33/L.5/Rev.2?

We nOIN turn to draft resolution A/33/L.6/Rev.l, entitled uPeaceful use of nuclear energy for economic and social developmenC'. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/33/ L6/Rev.l?

I shall now ct.IU on those repre- sentatives who wish to explain their votes:

I should like to put on record the views of my delegation on the question of the enlargement of the Board of Governors of lAEA, a question dealt with in both the fmal preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 5 of draft resolution A/33/L.5/Rev.2 just adopted.

The United States would like to reaffirm its strong support for international co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, particularly in the developing countries, as well as to reaffirm the importance of IAEA as a valuable mech· anism for extending such assistance. 196. For these reasons we have joined in the support of draft resolution A/33/L.6/Rev.1. We believe this draft ~solution could have been strengthened by the inclusion of language which sp~cifically acknowledges the important relationship between the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the need to prevent the'further proliferation of nuclear weapons. 197. My delegation continues to believe that any con· sideration of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy must also take into account the risks associated with its possible misuse, that is to say, it must take into account the preventkn of the further proliferation of nuclear weapons. 198. Our support for this draft resolution ~"tould not be interpreted either as altering our position on the need for the conference referred to in operative paragraph 1 and we question whether States' views on such a conference should again be sought. However, we are willing to defer to those who wish to refer consideration of this issue to the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. The meeting rose at 6.25 p.m.