A/34/PV.53 General Assembly

The special importance of the problem of the peaceful use of nuclear energy is obvious from the place accorded it in the United Nations, as well as from the efforts made to develop international co-operation aimed at increasing the contribution of the atom to the development of all nations and the reduction - indeed, the elimination- of the gap that exists between the developed and the developing countries. 15. A study of the report of IAEA affords each year to Member States the opportunity to express their opinions on the results of the Agency's work and to propose measures to strengthen the activities of that important organization in the interest of all members of the inter- national community and in particular of the developing countries, which are seeking adequate responses to the vital problems that imperatively demand solution. 16. The debates that have taken place so far on the reports of IAEA indicate also the concern of Member States to associate the activities relating to the peaceful use of atomic energy with the efforts to establish a new international economic order, which presupposes ab- solute respect for full equality of rights for all States, for national independence and sovereignty, for the prin- ciple of non-interference in the affairs of other States and for mutual advantages. 17. With respect to the IAEA report for 1978, the Romanian Government will have the opportunity to ex- plain its position in detail at the twenty-third regular ses- sion of '.". General Conference of the Agency, which will take ..e next December. 18. At the present time, we should like to make some statements of principle with regard to the activities of IAEA last year and, more particularly, to highlight the aspects on which we feel the Agency should in future concentrate mo-e its attention. 19. As in preceding years, the Agency succeeded, always with the benefit of the frequently recognized qualities of its Director General, Mr. Eklund, in obtain- ing significant results in several important areas. We would mention, by way of example, the efforts of the Agency to ensure nuclear safety and the protection of the environment, which have I esulted in some SO nuclear safety codes and guides. 20. There is also reason to mention certain activities designed to give support to Member States through the technical assistance programme. As far as Romania is concerned, IAEA is playing an important role in the im- plementation of a nuclear power reactor programme and in the co-ordinated research programme on the radiological safety of the Danube catchment area and the radioecology of the Danube. 21. Without minimizing the scope of the results achieved or envisaged, Romania, like many other coun- 22. As we have also emphasized in earlier debates on this item, we cannot subscribe to the tendency to direct the activity of the Agency increasingly to the exercise of its control function, to the detriment of the function of providing technical assistance in order to promote peaceful applications of nuclear energy. 23. It is well known that a growing number of devel- oping countries place the applications of nuclear physics and energy among the areas of priority interest for their national economies. We are also aware of the growing importance of the problems related to the utilization of nuclear fuel in the conditions of the world energy crisis, of the constant increase in the price of oil and the in- terest attached by Member States to the participation of IAEA in the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evalua- tion. The importance of this programme was confirmed once again at the Conference that took place last Oc- tober at Vienna in order to summarize the results achieved during the first year of its existence. 24. Consequently it seems to us that the Agency shoulcintensify its technical assistance programmes and increase the funds reserved for preparing and carrying out certain large-scale, longer-term projects for the benefit of developing States. The Agency should also provide more substantial support for the programmes of construction of nuclear power reactor plants and, in general, to programmes relating to the multiple applica- tions of nuclear technology, in the interest of the economic and social development of those countries. 25. More generally, we believe that the Agency can make more determined efforts to resolve the major prob- lems of mankind, such as energy, food, water and the quality of the environment, as well as the problems relating to the maintenance of international peace and security. 26. Another particularly important mission of the Agency is that of promoting the wide and unrestricted access of all countries, and principally of the developing countries, to nuclear technology, materials and equip- ment. 27. To this end, the Agency, like other international organizations involved, must promote to the greatest possible degree the principle whereby all States possess the inalienable right to implement programmes for the peaceful use or' nuclear energy, for their economic and social development, according to their own priorities, interests and needs. 28. Without affecting the application of certain generally acceptable international rules concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy, it is of the utmost impor- tance, for the sake of co-operation in this field, to respect the choices and the decisions of ali States and to eliminate the trend towards establishing monopolies in this field and the remaining serious obstacles which block the free transfer of technology related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 30. We must also take account of that fact that, by its very nature, science is governed by generous humanistic principles and by the idea that the success achieved in the scientific and technological field must be made available to all peoples. As we have already said in other circumstances, we feel that reserving access to a range of scientific and technical discoveries, especially in the nuclear domain, to a restricted number 'of countries, or making these discoveries the object of a political monopoly, constitutes a serious anomaly. 31. In trying to express certain monopolistic policies or practices, concern is often invoked for the non- proliferation of nuclear weapons. Without under- estimating the importance of the policy and actions aim- ing at the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Romania considers, in common with many other States, that this concern must not in any way af- fect the exercise of the inalienable right of all non- nuclear States to carry out their own programmes for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 32. This is the sense of the conclusions reached by the General Assembly on many occasions, including the tenth special session which was devoted to disarmament [see resolution 8-/0/2]. It is our opinion that IAEA must work to promote, as consistently as possible, the requirements of the great majority of States in the world. 33. The resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in recent years, with regard to consideration of the IAEA reports, contain elements of principle and specific guidelines for action which are of great importance for the development of international co-operation in the field of the peaceful use of atomic energy. 34. Thus, for example, resolutions 32150, 33/3 and 33/4 of the General Assembly reaffirm the principles which form the framework for international co-opera- tion in this area. Foremost among these, quite naturally, is the right of all States to carry out their own program- mes and to have free access, without any discrimination whatsoever, to the technology, equipment and materials needed for the peaceful uses of atomic energy. 35. In all those resolutions, emphasis is also placed on the need to take specific measures to promote interna- tional co-operation in this area. This could be achieved by expanding the agenda of the meetings already planned by IAEA, such as the international conference on nuclear power and its fuel cycle, or by organizing one or 'more conferences under the auspices of the United Nations, specifically devoted to international co- operation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy for the benefit of economic and social development, particularly in the developing countries. 36. Replying to the invitation to States to com- municate their views on such action. Romania transmit- ted its considerations concerning the goals and the 37. It clearly appears, from the replies by other States also, that the idea of holding such an international con- ference is broadly shared and considered as an enter- prise which can and must stimulate the political will of States to ensure that peaceful applications of nuclear energy become essential elements of programmes aimed at raising the economic and social level of all coun- tries, and in particular of those which are lagging behind. 38. Another important aspect to which the Agency must continue to give its attention is that of the im- provement of its structures, in terms of the adequate representation of all regions in its governing bodies, by the democratization of its activity. The establishment and the operation of the Group of 77 within the frame- work of IAEA will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the orientation of the activities of the Agency towards the adoption and implementation of practical measures favouring the development of international co-operation in the area of peaceful applications of nuclear energy. 39. It is our conviction that this General Assembly debate and the documents which will be adopted, in- cluding draft resolution A/34/L.1O, of which Romania is a sponsor, will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of the role of IAEA and to the improve- ment of its activities, so that that Agency may be able to carry out the tasks entrusted to t:, which are of ever- increasing importance.

It gives me much pleasure to address this Assembly on the report of IAEA. As representatives will be aware, the Australian Government attaches great importance to the work be- ing carried out by the Agency on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Agency is, we believe, one of the more successful organizations within the United Na- tions system and, despite the limited resources available to it, it has a good record in meeting its responsibilities. It is perhaps important to reiterate here the two primary responsibilities of the Agency. The first is the develop- ment and application of safeguards required under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and other arrangements. The second is the development of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including, in particular, provision of technical assistance to developing countries. 41. Primarily because of the growing world energy shortage, the role of IAEA is of growing importance. It is calculated that known reserves of energy from non- renewable sources will not meet anticipated demand. The only non-conventional energy source which is de- veloped and proven, and which can make up this short- fall, is nuclear energy. This growing reliance on nuclear power must increase the responsibilities of IAEA. 42. I have already stated that one of the two primary responsibilities of IAEA is the development and ap- 43. It has long been the Australian Government's belief that universal adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty would provide the most effective international political regime for preventing the further spread of nuclear weapons. At the same time, Australia fully recognizes the importance to many countries, including developing countries, of adequate opportunities for the peaceful development'of nuclear power. The task facing the world is, therefore, to achieve compatibility between the peaceful development of nuclear energy and the prevention of nuclear-weapon proliferation. The Australian Government is mindful of these urgent needs and has taken steps to contribute to tackling this prob- lem. 44. Australia has decided to continue mining Australian uranium in order to provide, at reasonable prices, supplies of uranium fuel to countries which need them. In view, however, of our concern for the non- proliferation of nuclear weapons, it is the policy of the Australian Government that uranium exports to non- nuclear-weapon States be limited to those that are par- ties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and therefore com- ply with the requirements set by IAEA, and that abide by the terms of special bilateral treaties. 45. Methods by which nuclear energy can be devel- oped without compromising non-proliferation objec- tives are currently under study in the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation. The results of that study, which was launched in 1977, will play a crucial role in the prevention of the dangers of nuclear pro- liferation inherent in the uncontrolled use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. In line with its concern and desire to co-operate in meeting the challenges posed by the uncontrolled use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, Australia has participated actively in the work of INFCE. We believethat by such participation and by closely regulating the exportation of Australian ura- nium, we can contribute to a climate of confidence and foster stable nuclear trade and closer international co- operation on nuclear matters. Our primary concern is to assure all nations, including those which are not parties to our uranium sales contracts, that uranium exported from Australia will be used only for peaceful purposes and will not contribute to, or be used for, non-peaceful purposes. 46. Australia will continue to look forward to the fur- ther evolution of co-operative arrangements that are vital to trust and to a safe nuclear world. We are com- mitteed to contributing to the efforts of IAEA to im- prove and develop safeguard systems and to enhance in- ternational co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, especially technical assistance to the developing countries. 47. The practice of this Assembly in adopting the draft resolution on the IAEA annual report by consensus is, we consider, of the utmost importance. It reflects the universal support which exists for the activities of IAEA. We therefore urge that this practice be contin- ued. 49. We have before "S a second draft resolution [A/34/L.1O), that relati ig to the convening of a con- ference on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for economic and social development. My Government has already had the honour of responding to the request of the Secretary-General on this subject [see A/34/197], pursuant to the terms of General Assembly resolution 33/4. 50. Australia has, on many occasions, made clear its concern that there should be the widest possible agree- ment on an appropriate framework for the management and operation of the nuclear fuel cycle, including the further development, over time, of a consensus among both nuclear supplier countries and nuclear importing countries on the non-proliferation conditions which should apply to the world nuclear industry. It is Australia's finn belief that successful international co- operation in this sphere requires movement away from the confrontation and division which have sometimes characterized discussion of the issues of the nuclear fuel cycle and non-proliferation. In that regard, encouraging progress to achieve the necessary movement has been made in the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evalua- tion, scheduled to conclude in February next year. 51. Another event which wili also have a major bear- ing on the development of the necessary basis for the consolidation of an international consensus on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and on non-prolifera- tion will be the second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. As delegates will be aware, that Conference is scheduled to be held in Geneva in August and September 1980. 52. Australia believes that the best way, in the short term, to capitalize on and develop the positive con- sideration of those issues which marked the delibera- tions of the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evalua- tion, is to seek to establish "building blocks". Such "building blocks" will promote the broad and long- term objectives of international consensus on ar- rangements governing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the enhancement of non-proliferation objec- tives. Examples of such "building blocks" include possible international arrangements for plutonium storage and spent fuel management-now under con- sideration in IAEA-and the possibility of rationalizing on a multilateral basis non-proliferation conditions which are now applied bilaterally. 53. I wish to make it perfectly dear that Australia is not opposed in principle to the idea of an international conference on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Such a conference could, at an appropriate time, play an im- portant role in facilitating the emergence of a broader international conserisus. But if the conference were held prematurely and without adequate preparation, there is a risk that the past difficulties over these questions would reappear and that a satisfactory conclusion would not be achieved. Australia is optimistic that the

I should like to con- vey the congratulations of my delegation to Mr. Eklund, the Director General of IAEA, and to his staff, for the excellent annual report prepared by them, which is now before us for discussion. Mr. Eklund has been at the helm of IAEA for a number of years, and has been conducting the Agency's affairs in a very commendable manner. My delegation is confident that, under his direction, the Agency will continue to work in an effec- tive and useful manner towards the fulfilment of the im- portant tasks assigned to it for the benefit of all mankind. 55. I should also like to express my delegation's gratitude to the Agency for the a"istance and co- operation extended by it thus far to my country for the development of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Recognizing the important role of IAEA in promoting international co-operation in the peaceful utilization of atomic energy, my country will be host to the twenty- third regular session of the General Conference of IAEA, which will be held in New Delhi in December this year. 56. The Agency has recently brought into effect re- vised guidelines governing the provision of technical assistance to member countries. From the very begin- ning, India has objected to the principles which govern the revised guidelines, as these are not only dis- criminatory, but also contrary to the provisions of the IAEA statute. Technical assistance should be free of restrictive and preferential pre-conditions. In view of the adoption of the revised guidelines by the Board of Governors of IAEA, India has announced its decision to forgo all technical assistance from IAEA. However, my country will continue to participate in the technical assistance programme in the capacity of donor. 57. My delegation would like to express its dissatisfac- tion at the increasing stress being laid upon regulatory rather than promotional aspects of the Agency's func- tions. Mankind has to be protected from the misuse of nuclear energy for military purposes, but the Agency is financing limited non-proliferation activities rather than the comprehensive non-proliferation activities which are required to arrest the increase in nuclear weapons. This imbalance is reflected in the expenditure on the safeguards activities of the Agency, which has been in- creasing steadily over the years without any correspond- ing increase in the expenditure on technical assistance to developing countries. In fact, in the Agency's budget for 1980, while on the one hand a 2.3 per cent pro- gramme growth under safeguards is being achieved, there is a reduction of 1.2 per cent in all other activities, including the provision of technical assistance. My delegation would like to express its concern at the pro- posed reduction in the developmental programmes, such as those on nuclear power reactors, food and agriculture and physical sciences, especially when no reduction has been made in the operating costs of the permanent headquarters. My delegation hopes that greater efforts will be made to eliminate-or at least 58. Draft resolution A/34/L.8/Rev.1 includes a reference to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials. The final act of that Convention was recently finalized in Vienna. My delegation would like to stress the fact that the scope of this Convention should not be restricted to nuclear materials for peaceful purposes, but should also include the much greater amount of nuclear materials for military use. The definition of international nuclear transport in the Convention could also have been formulated in such a manner that transport within the territory of a State could be excluded from international transport. 59. We support draft resolution A/34/L.8/Rev.1. However, I should like to propose a brief amendment. In the last preambular paragraph, after the words "to benefit effectively", insert the words "from the applica- tion of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes as well as". The paragraph would then read as follows: "Bearing in mind the special needs of the develop- ing countries for technical assistance by the Interna- tional Atomic Energy Agency in order to benefit ef- fertively from the application of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes as well as from the contribu- tion of nuclear energy to their economic develop- ment" . My delegation hopes that the sponsors of the draft resolution and all other members will accept this amend- ment. 60. We recognize the importance of the Agency's role a.n~ .progrCl;mme in connexion with nuclear safety ac- uvines. ThIS role has become even more important in the context of the Three Mile Island accident in the United States. An Indian expert recently participated in a meeting of experts convened by the Director General of the Agency to formulate improved safety measures. Because of the importance we attach to this subject the Government of India has decided to make a sup'ple~en­ tary voluntary contribution to the Agency for 1979 so that the Agency may expand its nuclear safety activities. We are also willing to make our expertise available for safety measures. 61. The Director General has referred to matters of special .inte~est in paragraphs 25 to 28 of the report. My delegation IS aware of the challenges we face in the development of nuclear energy. 62. Before concluding, I should like to assure the Agen- cy of India's continued support and co-operation in resolving the common problems which we all face.

On behalf of the New Zealand Government, I should like to express warm appreciation of the work carried out by IAEA as outlined in the report presented today by the Dire~tor General, Mr. Eklund. We are all indebted to Mr. Eklund for his effective leadership, which has played a formative role in the growth of the Agency over the last 18 years, particularly in the field of technical assistance for developing countries. I should like to reiterate my Government's pledge to assist the Agency in its vital work relating to the development and administration of nuclear safeguards, the promotion of nuclear 64. According to article II of its statute, IAEA has two equally important objectives. These are "to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world" while, at the same time, ensuring as far as it is able that the peaceful use of nuclear energy does not contribute to the proliferation of nuclear weapons. In pursuit of these goals, IAEA has developed an internationally-accepted safeguards programme. It has also sought to encourage actively all States to ratify the Non-Proliferation Trea- ty. New Zealand is whole-hearted in its support for an effective non-proliferation regime. We applaud the Agency's efforts to help achieve that goal. We note with appreciation its success in concluding safeguards agreements with nuclear and non-nuclear-weapon States, irrespective of whether they are party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. New Zealand has strongly supported the Agency's efforts in this area and will con- tinue to do so. We take this opportunity, however, to renew our call to States that have yet to accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty to do so at the earliest possi- ble time. 65. I should like also to take this opportunity to refer to the Yugoslav proposal for an international con- ference on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to give my delegation's views on draft resolution A/34/L.IO. My Government is particularly conscious of the need to promote, in a co-ordinated and responsi- ble way, international co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We believe that a conference on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy could, at an appropriate time, have a useful role to play in helping to achieve an international consensus on this important issue. We believe, however, that the decision to convene such a conference should await the outcome of the Interna- tional Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation and the second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, as well as the General Conference of IAEA, planned for 1981.This would avoid the possibility of unnecessary duplication. Accordingly, my delegation would prefer to see wording in the draft resolution which left open the setting of a date for a conference and simply called on the General Assembly to keep the question of convening an interna- tional conference under active review. This would allow the General Assembly to reconsider the matter in the light of the outcome of those conferences which are to take place first. 66. Finally, I should like to express once again my Government's confidence that IAEA, in conducting its work in furthering the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, will, within its mandate, continue to exercise the most stringent safeguards to ensure that nuclear technology is not used for military purposes. It can beassured of New Zealand's whole-hearted support in so doing. 67. Mr: PEARSON (Canada): As in previous years, Canada IS pleased to congratulate the Director General of IAEA on the Agency's annual report, which this time is for 1978. 68. This annual report is being presented to the General Assembly at a particularly difficult time. The need for energy from all sources is greater than ever, but 69. With reference to the Agency's task of accelerating and enlarging the contribution of nuclear energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world, Canada is pleased to note that the emphasis in the Agen- cy's development-oriented programmes is shifting towards projects designed to have greater economic and social impact. We have also noted that the vclume of technical assistance provided by the Agency to develop- ing countries increased by a substantial margin in 1978. 70. Canada also wishes to acknowledge the work that the Agency has carried out in the field of nuclear safety. Over the past five years, the Agency has been pr paring a comprehensive set of internationally-agreed recom- mendations for the safety of nuclear power plants under its nuclear safety'standards programme. During 1978, 5 codes of practice and 11 safety guides were published. While the principal responsibility for nuclear safety has to remain with national Governments, Canada supports the Agency's work in this field as being Of particular value to those countries having limited capacity for nuclear safety measures. 71. I wish also to welcome the Agency's continuing ef- forts in the field of safeguards. Canada considers the Agency's safeguards operations to be one of the key elements of international efforts to promote nuclear non-proliferation, efforts which Canada has supported and continues strongly to support. We therefore wish to emphasize the Agency's conclusion that in 1978 there was no indication of diversion of any significant quanti- ty of safeguarded nuclear material for the manufacture of any nuclear weapon, to further any other military purpose or for the manufacture of any other nuclear ex- plosive device. My Government also welcomes the in- formation that an increasing number of States, as a result of their accession to the Non-Proliferation Treaty or under other such agreements, are submitting all of their nuclear activities to the Agency safeguards. We believe that this is a major step towards providing the international community with the assurances it requires that the risks of nuclear proliferation are being mini- mized. 72. Canada, of course, recognizes the very legitimate preoccupation of members of this Assembly with the transfer and utilization of nuclear technology for economic and social development and agrees that an in- ternational conference to bedevoted to this subject could bea valuable means of promoting better co-operation in this field. We wonder, however, as others have done, whether it is opportune to take a decision now on the timing of such a conference. We should prefer that the decision be delayed until after the important meetings and reports relating to nuclear energy which are scheduled for next year, including, in particular, the sec- ond Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the results of the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evalua- tion. We note also that the Agency is to hold a con- ference on nuclear power in 1981.

On behalf of the nine member States of the European Community, I should like to thank the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Sigvard Eklund, for his interesting and informative report on the work of the Agency during the year 1978 and for his succinct and masterly introduction of the report here today. The report contains ample evidence of the Agency's achievements in its dual role of pro- moting peaceful uses of nuclear energy whilst guarding against the danger of nuclear-weapon proliferation. 75. We note that the report indicated concern at a slowing down in 1978 in net new commitments globally to nuclear power, especially in the light of the present world energy situation. As far as the European Com- munity is concerned, the role of nuclear power was underlined at the highest political level at the European Council meeting of Heads of Government of the Euro- pean Community at Strasbourg, on 21 and 22 June 1979. To quote from the conclusion of that meeting: "Without the development of nuclear energy in the coming decades, no economic growth will be possi- ble. Nuclear programmes must therefore be given strong fresh impetus." 76. However, as the European Council has stressed, nuclear energy must be used under conditions which guarantee the safety of the population. The safety of nuclear facilities is now, more than ever, an issue at the forefront of the public debate on nuclear energy. Ensur- ing nuclear safety is essentially the respor-ibility of na- tional authorities, but there isalso a need t . develop and enlarge existing bilateral and multilateral co-operation in this regard. Here we see a special role for IAEA, which over the years has made an important contribu- tion to international co-operation on nuclear safety through its development of standard international safe- ty codes and guides, as well as through its training, ad- visory, research and information programmes. We hope that the Agency will expand and intensify its useful ac- tivities in this area, as already initiated in the summer of this year. 77. The technical assistance programme of the Agency has over the years earned a high reputation in respect of the transfer of know-how and experience in the nuclear field. Indeed, among the most positive developments recorded in the report is the substantial rise in the volume of technical assistance which the Agency has provided to developing countries. The growth in the demands being made on the technical assistance pro- gramme, as well as the increase in the number of coun- tries in which these demands originate, are healthy signs that nuclear energy and its applications are by no means the prerogative of the few, but are increasingly being ex- ploited by developing countries for their own benefit. The member States of the European Community there- fore welcome the measures initiated by the Agency to ensure the more efficient implementation of this very important programme to which, as in the past, they will continue to make a substantial contribution. 78. The Agency's safeguards system plays an essential role in the international non-proliferation regime and, in turn, in ensuring international nuclear commerce and co-operation without discrimination. Therefore we fully 79. The International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation is now in its final stages. We are encouraged by the pro- gress of the study. IAEA has made a valuable contribu- tion to the Evaluation, which has set an example in co- operation between nuclear customer and supplier coun- tries. 80. The member States of the European Community would like again to record their recognition of the conti- nuing valuable work of the Agency in promoting the use of radiation and radioisotopic techniques in food and agriculture, medicine, industry and hydrology. We welcome the further expansion of the pioneering Inter- national Nuclear Information System which provides a world-wide network of nuclear data. We likewise acknowledge the important role of the IAEA Interna- tional Centre in Trieste, headed by one of the Nobel laureates of 1979. Professor Abdus Salam, in fostering the advancement of theoretical physics. Each of these activities serves to demonstrate the central importance of the Agency in providing a framework for interna- tional co-operation in the exploitation of nuclear science and related technologies for the good of all. 81. The member States of the European Community continue their support for 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 community 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. In this con- nexion, we express the hope that the group of expert consultants will continue its discussions with the aim of formulating in the near future appropriate proposals for the implementation of article XII.A.5 of the Agency's statute for early decision by the Board of Governors. 82. We should like to record our satisfaction at the re- cent conclusion of the negotiation of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials which will be open for signature at IAEA headquarters at Vienna and the United Nations Headquarters in New York in March 1980. We wish in this connexion to express our appreciation to IAEA for the practical contribution which it has made in facilitating the preparation of the Convention. 83. In conclusion, I should like to express our thanks to the Austrian Government for its generosity in pro- viding the new permanent headquarters of IAEA at the Vienna International Centre. We expect that the Agen- cy, in its new home, will achieve continued success in its task of promoting throughout the world the peaceful development of nuclear energy, and I can assure the

At the outset, I should like to express the appreciation of the Pakistan delegation for the comprehensive and informative statement made by Mr. Eklund, the Director General of IAEA. He has, once again, confirmed our conviction about the impor- tance of nuclear technology for economic and social development, and the contribution which IAEA has made and is continuing to make in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 85. The energy requirements of the world, especially of the developing countries, are increasing rapidly. The third-world nations must make a quantum leap in nuclear power capacity if they are to achieve even a modest rate of economic growth. For the coming decades nuclear power remains the most feasible addi- tional energy source, particularly for those developing countries which are extremely short of fossil fuels and other traditional forms of energy. 86. As for my own country, the promotion of nuclear power is vital for its economic and social development. As the leader of the Pakistan delegation stated in the general debate before this General Assembly on 1 Oc- tober 1979: "A study was conducted by the IAEA in 1972 to estimate the power needs of Pakistan and how best those needs could be met by an optimal combination of various sources of energy. The survey concluded that Pakistan would require 27,000 megawatts of in- stalled capacity by the year 2000 if it were to achieve the modest target of 700 kilowatt hours per capita consumption by that time. At present Pakistan's per capita consumption is only 160 kilowatt hours. ... the world average is 1,500 kilowatt hours. For the United States it is to,OOO.... The IAEA study estimated that of the 27,000 megawatts needed by the year 2000, not more than 11,000 could be generated from the water, coal and gas resources of Pakistan; 16,000 megawatts would have to come from nuclear power. "Pakistan's oil import bill has risen from $60 million in 1973 to $950 million this year, amounting to 43 per cent of our hard-currency earnings. The in- dustrialized countries of the world spend little more than 10 per cent of their foreign exchange on the im- portation of oil. Nuclear energy, therefore, offers the only economical and practical answer to Pakistan's energy requirements." (/5th meeting, paras. 94-95.] 87. However, it is unfortunate that at the very time that nuclear power is most vitally needed and should be expanded throughout the world, we are witnessing policies which seek to prevent the promotion of this most feasible alternative for closing the energy gap. Pakistan is extremely concerned about certain policies and practices which are seeking to impose unacceptable and discriminatory restrictions on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, especially in the developing countries. The argument that the growth of nuclear power will lead to nuclear proliferation or nuclear hazards of other kinds is not borne out by facts. The IAEA report in- dicates that there is no linkage between the growth of nuclear power and the growth of nuclear proliferation. As the Director General of IAEA noted in his introduc- tory statement this morning: 88. Proliferation arises basically from the security concerns of States and the tensions and conflicts that ex- ist in many parts of the world. It cannot be prevented by technological restraints and restrictions. 89. Although the promotion of nuclear energy has higher priority in the statute of IAEA than have safeguards activities, the Agency's budget still reflects a bias in favour of its safeguards and regulatory func- tions. This year IAEA's outlay for technical assistance increased by only 1.7 per cent, whereas its expenditures on safeguards activities increased by 2.4 per cent. This, in our opinion, is contrary to the recommendations adopted at the tenth special session of the General Assembly on disarmament [resolution 8-1012], regard- ing the promotion of nuclear energy for peaceful uses, as also to the provisions of other General Assembly resolutions, in particular resolution 32150 adopted by "''l!:sensus in this Assembly. 90. As affirmed in resolution 32150, each State has the right to acquire and develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. This includes, in particular, the ad- vanced technologies for reprocessing nuciear fuel and breeder reactors which would permit the optimum use of fuel. In a situation where supplies of nuclear fuel are growing scarcer and scarcer, where the price of uranium has increased eightfold in the last five years and is ex- pected to rise further, the acquisition of a modicum of self-reliance has become indispensable for all countries with substantial nuclear energy requirements. As in- dicated in the report of IAEA, most developed countries have embarked on projects such as reprocessing plants and breeder reactors in order to reduce the vulnerability of their countries to uncertain external fuel supplies and prices. It is quite inequitable that some of these very countries should deny these technologies to the develop- ing countries. In this connexion, let me recall the impor- tant decision of the sixth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, which was held at Havana from 3 to 9 September 1979 [see A1341542, sect. I, para. 233]. 91. It is time that the international community made a concerted effort to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and international co-operation in this field, as recommended in General Assembly resolution 12150. Under this resolution, the Assembly decided to consider the convening of one or more international conferences for the promotion of peaceful nuclear technology. A number of States responded favourably to this idea in their replies to the Secretary-General under the resolu- tion adopted by this Assembly last year [resolution 3314J. Sufficient basis now exists for a decision by the General Assembly to convene a conference regarding the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 92. The Pakistan delegation has therefore joined in sponsoring the draft resolution contained in document A/34/L.1O which was so ably introduced eerlier this morning by the representative of Yugoslavia [52nd meeting, para 97]. Needless to say, my delegation fully endorses the provisions of this draft resolution, in par- ticular its recommendation that this Assembly should decide to convene a conference for the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy in 1981 or early 1982. It 93. .......~~ purpose of this conference is to reverse the prese.i. egative tendencies operating against the pro- motion or' nuclear technology for power generation and other peaceful purposes, in other words, to attain the objectives cited in resolution 32/50 of this Assembly. Pakistan has, in its reply to the Secretary-General [see A 1341197], suggested the precise terms of reference for the conference. The conference should· not once again be diverted into consideration of the control and regulatory aspects of peaceful uses of nuclear technol- ogy, which have been more than sufficiently considered at recent conferences, including the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation study, and which will no doubt be considered further at the forthcoming Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. 94. In this context, it should be stated that no regulatory system can prove truly effective and durable so long as it is discriminatory and partial in its applica- tion. The present system of IAEA safeguards has work- ed wen enough but, as we all know, there are glaring in- equalities in the coverage, scope and degree of intrusion of these safeguards among various non-nuclear States. It is as a consequence of these inequalities that certain States, such as South Africa and Israel, are believed to have acquired nuclear weapons capability. Pakistan has consistently held the view, which was unanimously en- dorsed in resolution 32150, that international co- operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology should be under universal safeguards applied through IAEA on a non-discriminatory basis. Therefore, it is our hope that IAEA, in its efforts to strengthen the pre- sent system of safeguards, will pay particular attention to removing the discriminatory features of the system, in accordance with the recommendations of the General Assembly in resolution 32/50. 95. In conclusion, I should like to assure the Assembly that Pakistan will continue to extend its fullest co- operation to IAEA. I take this opportunity also to ex- press the pride and the deep appreciation of the people and Government of Pakistan at the awarding of the 1979 Nobel Prize in physics to a distinguished Pakistani.

On behalf of the United States Government; I should like to thank Mr. Eklund for his many years of leadership and dedication to the goals of IAEA. My Government con- siders IAEA to be an international organization which is essential to us all, and we put the highest priority on its programme for bringing the peaceful uses of atomic energy to mankind, while guarding against any diver- sion to military purposes. 97. This period, since the Three Mile Island accident, has been a difficult one for nuclear power in the United States; however, we continue to believe that nuclear energy will make an important contribution, both in our country and in other parts of the globe, to the world's energy supply. It is obvious to us that more work needs to be done in the area of nuclear safety and we strongly support the Director General's efforts to expand and strengthen the Agency's nuclear safety programme. 98. I should like to reaffirm the strong support of the United States for the Agency's safeguards programme, which is a vital corner-stone of the non-proliferation ef- forts of all nations. Without the continuing support and co-operation of all IAEA members in ensuring the suc- cess of the IAEA safeguards programme, our efforts to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, indeed, the peace and security of the world, could be jeopardized. We call on our fellow members to augment their sup- port for the safeguards effort and to co-operate with the Agency in ensuring adequate application of safeguards. 99. We welcome the adherence by several countries to the Non-Proliferation Treaty during this year. We believe that this shows the international community's support for non-proliferation and for the widest possi- ble acceptance of IAEA safeguards. We would urge all countries to adhere to the Treaty, particularly as we prepare for the 1980 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. I 100. The dual effort to ensure that nuclear power is available to meet energy needs and to minimize the risks of nuclear proliferation calls for the maximum possible mutual understanding and communication. Thus we greatly appreciate the IAEA role in acting as host to and facilitating the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evalua- tion. This has been a most constructive effort. We believe IAEA is the appropriate focus for follow-up ac- tion related to the Evaluation study. 101. The United States recognizes the importance of, and has contributed to, IAEA's technical assistance programme, which helps to ensure that the developing countries derive the full benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in agriculture, medicine and electric power development. The high priority that the develop- ing country members place on the Agency's technical assistance programme is testimony to the valuable con- tribution which the Agency is making. 102. In this connexion, my delegation would also like to comment briefly on the proposal to convene an inter- national conference on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, contained in document A/34/L.1O. The United States strongly favours and actively participates in ef- forts to strengthen co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in a manner that takes non-proliferation considerations fully into account. We do not believe, however, that convening yet another international con- ference under the auspices of the United Nations system on the question of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is warranted. 103. There are several reasons why we think this to be ill-advised at this time. The peaceful use of nuclear energy has been the subject of discussion at a broad range of international meetings and conferences, in- cluding the special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament and the two-year International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation. The special session pro- vided the opportunity to explore a wide variety of issues related to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and led to 104. In conclusion, I should like to reiterate that, while the United States supports the objective of strengthening co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, we believe there are adequate oppor- tunities for discussion of this issue in other forums and that to make provision for another conference at this time is unnecessary.

On behalf of my delega- tion, I should like to start my statement by conveying our thanks to the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Eklund, for the statement he made at the preceding meeting in presenting the report of the Agency. 106. The development of nuclear energy seems to be passing through a crucial period. The increasing opposi- tion to power plants in several countries has not, unfor- tunately, been soothed by the recent accident in the nuclear power plant at Three' Mile Island. At the same time, however, the projected world energy shortage, which is likely to follow the present wasteful use of petroleum and the consequent fast depletion of this most valuable energy resource, has increasingly high- lighted the importance of nuclear power as a resource capable of bridging the gap that will be created. We hope that this reality of the energy situation will be borne in mind by opponents of nuclear power plants. My delegation accepts the view expressed this -norning by the Director General that it is necessary to underscore this fact in the General Assembly, in view of the representative nature of the Assembly. 107. The immense responsibility of IAlo..:A in an energy-hungry world is therefore obvious. Through pro- motion and regulation, the Agency must seek to ensure that the excellent safety record of nuclear power p!ants-excellent even in spite of the Three Mile Island accident-is maintained. The Agency must also seek to ensure that the benefit of this energy resource is widely shared and that the danger of nuclear-weapon prolifera- tion is stemmed. 109. My delegation has always advocated that, in order to make the benefits of nuclear energy more wide- ly available, greater emphasis be placed on the Agency's technical assistance activities through an increase in the target of the voluntary fund and through improved delivery of approved projects. 110. My delegation notes with interest the reported in- crease in the assistance provided by the Agency over the past year. A lot must still be done, especially if the Agency is to fulfil the observation made by the Director General last year to the effect that, for many years to come, the great majority of the Agency's developing member States will benefit mainly from the secondary uses of nuclear techniques in food and agriculture, medicine and hydrology. As my delegation said on that occasion.s we believe that even those secondary uses, if on a sufficiently large scale, can be vital to the process of development in the developing countries. Ill. A further element was introduced two years ago, when the General Assembly adopted resolution 32/50 on t.he peaceful use of nuclear energy for economic and social development. Through the resolution envisaged the convening of an international conference or con- ferences, it also recognized the importance of the role of IAEA in the promotion of the application of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Considering the widesup- port which the idea of such a conference has received, my delegation considers it timely for the Assembly to adopt the draft resolution in document A/34/L.IO, which was introduced this morning by the representative of Yugoslavia. We do not see any conflict between such a conference and the' second Salzburg-type conference which is being planned by IAEA. tl2. The regulatory aspect of the Agency's mandate becomes increasingly important as the international community becomes increasingly concerned with the issue of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. My delegation agrees fully with what the Director General said this morning: "If there is a danger to mankind, it does not lie in the peaceful use of nuclear energy to generate electric power. It lies in nuclear armaments and in the risks of proliferation ..." [52nd meeting, para. 20). 113. The role of IAEA in the prevention of prolifera- tion is of course emphasized by the importance it at- taches to its safeguards activities. In this context, my delegation has always given its support to the Agency in discharging this aspect of its mandate, even as we have always insisted that it should pay equal attention to the promotional aspects of its mandate. 114. With respect to the safeguards activities of the Agency, my delegation cannot but express its alarm, of 115. Two years ago, the international community was astounded when South Africa was found to be making preparations for a nuclear-weapon test in the Kalahari Desert. A week ago, the report became public that South Africa had detonated a nuclear device on 22 September. This report is so momentous, as far as the development of world reaction to nuclear programmes generally is concerned, that my delegation believes that it deserves some attention - indeed, a good deal of at- tention - from the Agency, just as the Agency found it pertinent to devote some attention to the Three Mile Island accident. The campaign against nuclear power can only be strengthened by the acquisition of nuclear- weapon capability by South Africa, which is the result of the collaboration, supposedly for peaceful purposes, which South Africa has been receiving from some im- portant members of the Agency. ll6. Being a party to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Nigeria has always called the Agency's attention to the danger posed by South Africa. We have always been convinced that, in defence of its universally condemned policy of apart- heid, the South African regime is capable of any desperate measure to threaten and blackmailsother countries. The reported explosion of an atomic dev.ce by South Africa, therefore, is a vindication of our per- sistent demand that all co-operation or collaboration with South Africa in the nuclear field cease. 117. When, three years ago, my delegation insisted on the displacement of South Africa as the designated member for Africa on the Board of Governors of IAEA, it did so partly from the fear that the Agency could not afford such a close association with that apartheid regime. We weregratified that the Board took the appropriate decision on that occasion and that South Africa was indeed excluded from being the designated member for Africa on the Board. We believe that the time has'now come for the Agency to take a fur- ther step. We think that either the apartheid regime should now be required to submit all its nuclear pro- gramme-and we emphasize "all its nuclear pro- gramme" - to comprehensive safeguards, ('r its con- tinued presence in the Agency should be the subject of detailed consideration. ll8. My delegation believes that the forthcoming ses- sion of the General Conference of the Agency provides an opportunity to take some decisiveaction on the prob- lem posed by South Africa's nuclear deception, a situation whlc'i impinges directly on the mandate of the Agency. This IS no longer a political question. It is a question which is intimately tied to the mandate of the Agency. 119. In conclusion, my delegation hopes that the forth- coming General Conference of the Agency, which is to be held in the territory of a developing country, will give recognition to the abiding interest of developing countries generally in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We hope that the Conference will fulfil its responsibility by adopting the proposal for a moderate 120. Mr. DlEZ (Chile) (interpretation from Spanish): My delegation has asked to speak in order to refer brief- ly to the important work being carried out by IAEA concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy by all States members of the international community. 121. Under the able leadership of the Director General, Mr. Eklund, who introduced the report for 1978 this morning and brought us up to date on the ac- tivities of the Agency during 1978, IAEA has become an instrument of primary importance for the promotion of international co-operation in the transfer and use of nuclear technology in order to help in the economic and social progress of countries, particularly the developing countries. 122. As we have: done on other occasions, my country reiterates its conviction that both the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and the right of each country to draw up its own programmes in confor- mity with national requirements constitute inalienable rights of all States. These rights should not be restricted or impeded; on the contrary, as has been done by IAEA, they should be constantly fostered through the granting of technical assistance, training and other facilities which are needed for this purpose by develop- ing countries. Moreover, we support the request for new systems and measures which would help States in the field of nuclear regulation, the training of staff and co- operation in cases of emergency. 123. My country has maintained ties of co-operation with IAEA, particularly through the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission, which recently was honoured by a visit by the Director General of the Agency, Mr. Eklund. Once again, we should like to express our gratitude for the assistance received from IAEA. 124. To conclude, my delegation expresses its support for the holding of an international conference to further international co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Similarly, we support draft resolution A/34/L.8/Rev.l regarding the report of IAEA for 1978, which expresses the international community's appreciation of all the work of that Agency to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate. I should like to inform the Assembly that the sponsors of draft resolution A/34/L.1O have requested postponement of the vote on that draft resolution. Therefore the Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/34/L.8/Rev.l and on the amendment proposed in document A/34/L.ll. 126. Since the amendment presented by India in docu- ment A/34/L.ll has been accepted by the sponsors of the draft resolution, the Assembly will now take a deci- sion on draft resolution A/34/L.8/Rev.l, with the in- corporation of the amendment in A/34/L.ll. May I take it that the Arsernbly decides to adopt the draft resolution as amended? Elections to fill vacancies in principal organs (con- tinued"'): (a) Election of five non-permanent members of the Security Council

The General Assembly will resume the election of one non-permanent member of the Security Council for the Group of Latin American States for a two-year term beginning on 1 January 1980. 129. Following the inconclusive ballots held at its 47th, 48th and 50th plenary meetings, on 26 and 30 Oc- tober 1979, the Assembly will now proceed to the next ballot - the twentieth. 130. In accordance with rule 94 of the General As- sembly's rules of procedure, this ballot is the first of a series of three restricted to Cuba and Colombia, which obtained the largest number of votes in the last un- restricted ballot. The ballot papers are now being distributed. 131. May I remind representatives that any ballot paper containing any name other than that of Cuba or Colombia will be declared invalid, since the balloting is restricted to those two States.

I propose now to suspend the meeting while the ballots are being counted.

The result of the voting is as follows: 144 o 144 2 142 95 Number ofvotes obtained: Cuba Colombia 77 65

As neither of the two coun- tries obtained the required two-thirds majority, the General Assembly will continue the voting and will hold a second restricted ballot. As in the last ballot, the only countries whose names may be included in the ballot papers are Cuba and Colombia. Any papers containing the names of other countries will be declared invalid. The ballot papers will now be distributed.

I propose now to suspend the meeting while the ballots are being counted. The meeting was suspended at 5.25 p.m. and resumed at 5.35 p.m.

The result of the voting is as follows: 146 I 145 3 142 95 Number ofvotes obtained: Cuba Colombia 78 64

As neither of the two coun- tries obtained the required two-thirds majority, the General Assembly will continue the voting and will hold a third restricted ballot. As in the last ballot, the only countries whose names may be included in the ballot papers are Cuba and Colombia. Any papers containing the names of other countries will be declared invalid. The ballot papers will now be distributed.

I propose now to suspend the meeting while the ballots are being counted.

The result of the voting is as follows: 147o 147 3 144 96 Number of votes obtained: Cuba Colombia 78 66

Since the third restricted ballot did not produce a candidate with the required two-thirds majority, the General Assembly will proceed to an unrestricted ballot, in accordance with rule 94 of the rules of procedure.

I propose now to suspend the meeting while the ballot papers are being counted. The meeting was suspended at 6 p.m. and resumed at 6.10 p.m.

The result of the voting is as follows: 147o 147 1 146 98 Number of votes obtained: Cuba Colombia Mexico Argentina Guatemala Honduras Saint Lucia 80 60 2 1 1 1 1

Since no candidate obtained the required majority in the first of this series of unrestricted ballots, we shall now proceed to the second unrestricted ballot. As before, in this unrestricted ballot, any Member State from the group of Latin American States may be a candidate for election except, of course, Bolivia and Jamaica. The ballot papers will now be distributed.

I propose now to suspend the meeting while the ballots are being counted. The meeting was suspended at 6./5 p. m. and resumed at 6.20 p.tn.

The result of the voting is as follows: 148o 148 1 147 98 Number ofbal/ot papers: Invalid bal/ots: Number of valid ballots: Abstentions: Number (~fmembers voting: Required majority:

Since the second in this series of unrestricted ballots proved inconclusive, we shall now proceed to the third unrestricted ballot. As before, in this unrestricted ballot, any Member State from the group of Latin American States may be a candidate for election except, of course, Bolivia and Jamaica. The ballot papers will now be distributed.

I propose now to suspend the meeting while the ballots are being counted. The meeting wassuspended at 6.30 p. m. and resumed at 6.35 p.m.

The resultof the voting isas foUows: 147 1 146 1 145 97 Number of votes obtained: Cuba Colombia Mexico Nicaragua Paraguay Saint Lucia 80 61 1 1 1 1

Since the third unrestricted ballot proved inconclusive, the Assembly will now pro- ceed to the first of a series of three restricted ballots, in accordance with rule 94 of the rules of procedure. This balloting is restricted to the two candidates which have obtained the largest number of votes, namely Cuba and Colombia. The ballot papers will now be distributed. 151. I would remind representatives that any ballot paper containing the names of any countries other than Cuba and Colombia will be declared invalid, since the balloting is restricted to those two States.

I propose now to suspend the meeting while the ballots are being counted. 146o 146 3 143 96 Number ofvotes obtained: Cuba Colombia 80 63

As neither of the two coun- tries obtained the required two-thirds majority, the General Assembly will continue the voting and will hold a second restricted ballot. As in the last ballot, the only countries whose names may be included in the ballot papers are Cuba and Colombia. Any papers containing the names of other countries will be declared invalid. The ballot papers will now be distributed.

1 propose now to suspend the meeting while the ballots are being counted. The meeting wassuspended at 7 p.m. and resumed at 7./0p.m.

The result of the voting is as follows: 143 1 142 2 140 94 Number of votes obtained: Cuba Colombia 80 60

As neither of the two coun- tries obtained the required two-thirds majority, the General Assembly will continue the voting and will hold a third restricted ballot. As in the last ballot, the only countries whose names may be included in the ballot papers are Cuba and Colombia. Any papers containing the names of other countries will be declared invalid. The ballot papers will now be distributed.

The result of the voting is as follows: 144 1 143 1 142 95 Number ofvotes obtained: Cuba Colombia 80 62 161. If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the Assembly agrees to that procedure. . The meeting rose at 7.25 p.m.