A/35/PV.52 General Assembly

I now invite the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Sigvard Eklund, to present the report of the Agency for the year 1979.' 2. Mr. EKLUND (Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency): This is a welcome oppor- tunity for me to address the General Assembly, to review some recent developments in the nuclear field and to touch upon some particular issues which may be of interest to members. 3. Let me start with a brief examination of the pros- pects and outlook for nuclear power. 4. Within the Organization for Economic Co-opera- tion and Development [OEeD], Belgium, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States either have a significant nuclear power pro- gramme or have already achieved a fairly high per- centage of electricity generation by nuclear power. Also Spain, which I recently had the privilege of visiting, has a significant nuclear power programme. Within that group, France represents an outstanding example. By 1985 France expects to produce 50 per cent of its electricity by nuclear power. 5. The East European socialist countries have recently embarked on a major nuclear programme and they plan to install no less than 120,000 megawatts ofnuclear capacity by the end ofthis decade, compared with 16,000 megawatts today. This is thus one broad area of the world in which there is no doubt about the need and prospects for nuclear energy. 6. In the developing countries the prospects for nuclear power are spotty. One of the major technical difficulties faced by many of those countries is that the present economically optimal standard nuclear power unit available on the market has an electricity production capacity many times that which may be I International Atomic Energy Agency, The Annual Report for /979 (Austria, July 1980);transmitted to the members of the General Assembly by a note of the Secretary-General (A/35/365). NEW YORK carried by existing electricity grid systems in most- developing countries. Gradually, this situation will, I am sure, be remedied as work on economically feasible smaller plants progresses and electricity grids expand, As far as can be forecast at this time, however, it seems that no more than 10 developing countries will be operating nuclear power plants by 1990and that, at the most, about 20 countries may be in that position by the turn of the century. 7. Having painted that picture, I should note that nuclear power plants now in operation or under construction should generate some IS per cent of the world's electricity by 1985. That is by no means an insignificant contribution to the world's energy needs. It will represent the equivalent of the entire oil produc- tion of Saudi Arabia in 1979. 8. However, in recent years a declining trend has become discernible in orders for nuclear power plants. For example, during the first six months of this year, while 9 new plants were ordered in Western Europe, 10 plants of a considerably larger capacity were cancelled in the United States. I could go even further and say that a state of stagnation exists in some countries. 9. It may be asked: at a time when we are consuming oil so quickly that we run the risk of exhausting the world's reserves within a few decades, when the rising price of oil is causing grave imbalances in the world economy, when the cost of steam coal has gone up by 40 per cent, when the environmental impact of burning coal and oil is steadily causing more concern, how is it possible that there should be any reluctance to accept an energy source, nuclear energy, that is demonstrably cheaper, safer and cleaner than alterna- tives that are available today or likely to become available on a substantial scale only in the first decades of the next century? 10. This paradox becomes all the more difficult to understand when we consider statements made at three recent major Conferences: the 11th World Energy Conference, held at Munich from 8 to 12 September last, the second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, held at Geneva from 11 August to 7 Sep- tember and the Agency's General Conference, held at Vienna from 22 to 26 September. At those Conferences there was overwhelming agreement on the need to use nuclear energy. There were stern reminders of the environmental consequences of burning large quan- tities ofcoal and oil. There was even a sense ofurgency expressed at the World Energy Conference in reference to the transition from fossil fuel to nuclear fuel: "We have energy; what we lack is time". 11. To mention another important example, at their economic summit meeting, held at Venice on 22 and 12. In reality, however, the OECD group has scaled down its nuclear projections by almost one third. In the United States, which pioneered nuclear energy and maintained leadership in the field for three decades, there is talk in some quarters of retiring nuclear power plants in an orderly manner. 13. This situation may have serious consequences for the nuclear manufacturing industry. Already the ability of the nuclear industry to survive without new orders is becoming doubtful in several Western coun- tries. In the United States, the Federal Republic of Germany and my own country, Sweden, there are also signs of a perceptible decline in the availability of the professional manpower needed to service nuclear plants as students and faculties begin to sense a declining market for nuclear skills. 14. Let me conclude this part of my statement by expressing my personal conviction that now and in the future we shall need contributions from all available sources ofenergy, including nuclear energy, to survive in a world which within a couple of decades will have to support SO per cent more people than today and at the same time will be faced with steadily diminishing natural resources and raw materials. IS. The harsh realities of the energy supply crisis are fortunately beginning to have an impact on the public consciousness, which was perhaps lulled into a false sense ofsecurity when oil was cheap and plentiful and when solar energy and other so-called soft paths seemed to many to otTerquick and easy solutions. 16. We now see, at least in many countries, a growing momentum towards energy conservation and perhaps the beginning ofthe realization that each form ofenergy production has its advantages and drawbacks, and that all should be used wherever and whenever appropriate. Let us all do what we can to foster this perception. 17. For its part, IAEA is contributing to this effort by disseminating information, by expanding its work to ensure the highest standards of reactor safety, by its contribution to non-proliferation and by helping to stabilize and clarify the world-wide nuclear supply system. In the final analysis, however, it is up to Governments to make decisions and in doing so to take the necessary political responsibilities. We in lAEA can only serve as instruments of their wishes and decisions. 18. This is not the place for a detailed analysis of the reasons why the once-bright prospects for nuclear power have faded in so many countries despite the fact that nuclear power is needed more than ever before. Recession, inflation, high interest rates and a slow-down in the growth of electricity demand may have played a part. In my opinion, however, the main factor has been the problem ofpublic acceptance Z See Department of State Bulletin, vol. 80, No. 2041, August 1980, p. 10. 21. The Agency's work in this regard is growing. We are at an advanced stage in the preparation of an up-to-date set of internationally agreed sa-fety stan- dards for nuclear power plants. Fourteen member States have already asked for visits of Agency experts to help them to apply these standards. Fur several years, we have been sponsoring major nuclear safety training courses, 22. The Agency's safe transport regulations have recently been comprehensively reviewed. They are now being applied in almost all countries and under all relevant international conventions. We are also working with UNEP, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation and WHO on a comparison ofthe health and environmental impacts on various types of energy, oil and coal, for instance, as well as nuclear. 23. I am happy to report that the Agency convened a major International Conference on Current Nuclear Power Plant Safety Issues, held at Stockholm from 20 to 24 October 1980,at the invitation of the Govern- ment of Sweden. Over 500 experts from 44 member States and 10international bodies dealing with aspects ofnuclear safety participated in this Conference. They reviewed the safety standards which the nuclear industry is applying in their countries and freely exchanged their experiences. It was the general view that the information on safety-regulated operating experiences and, abnormal occurrences should be collected and should be discussed periodically in international meetings. IAEA is expected to play a significant role in organizing such co-operation, which is supported both by the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance and OECD countries. Problems connected with plants which are located in border areas were also discussed, and suggestions for close collaboration between neighbouring States were made. The Con- ference was marked by a keen desire to collaborate and exchange information on safety matters, without any reservation. 24. The Conference emphasized the importance of nuclear power and ended with a consensus that nuclear safety issues do not require any new radical approach. The Conference identified areas of work where higher priority or greater emphasis should be given and was of 26. Turning now to another topic, technical assis- tance is one of the most important activities of the Agency, and in the past several years there have been discussions at our General Conference on the question of assuring a more adequate and predictable flow of resources for the Agency's programme. I am happy to report that, based largely on this concern, the General Conference at its session two months ago agreed for the first time in the history of the Agency to set indicative planning figures for the Agency's own technical assistance programme which, as you know, is financed out ofvoluntary contributions. Thus, the 1980 target for voluntary contributions was $10.5 million. The last General Conference increased this target to $13 million for 1981 and also approved indicative planning figures of $16 million for 1982 and $19 million for 1983. Although this shows progress, I regret to say that there are indications that the gap between the Agency's resources and the needs of developing member States still shows a tendency to 'Widen. .:7. While, as I have said, nuclear power probably will not play a major role in most developing countries before the turn of the century, there are numerous other benefits to be derived from the applications of nuclear science and technology. Such applications in the field of agriculture, health and industry, for example, are proving of great value in assisting developing countries to achieve their development goals. An example of this is the Regional Co-operation Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology which the Agency established eight years ago to promote co- operative joint projects between nuciear institutions in Asian developing countries. Several Latin American countries have expressed interest in undertaking similar projects in their region, where many promising opportunities for regional co-operation exist. 28. The developing countries in particular are se- verely affected by the rising costs of energy. Thus, it is, unfortunately, imperative for them to limit consumption of some of those products that made possible the "green revolution", the production of which-nitrogen, fertilizers and pesticides, for in- stance-requires large energy inputs. 29. I should now like to turn to the second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. In addressing that Conference, I pointed out that: "Since the first Review Conference in 1975, there have been a number of significant developments which are noteworthy. Briefly, these can be sum- marized as follows: "First, a number of additional States have joined the NPT-among them are several countries with extensive nuclear facilities and programmes; J For the summary record of this statement, see Final Document of the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPr/CONF/II/22/1I), 1st meeting, paras. 10-11. .. However respectable its intentions may be, one cannot escape the political fact that the opera- tion ofan unsafeguarded reprocessing or enrichment plant automatically engenders fears that the oper- ating country plans to acquire nuclear explosives. The destabilizing effects of such fears in the regions concerned are abundantly clear. It would perhaps be naive to expect in these cases that the nuclear problem could be resolved in isolation from the broader political problem in which it is embedded. I can only point out again that adding a nuclear dimension to these political problems, far from enhancing national security, is likely in the long run to present it with the gravest possible threat, and could lead to the unravelling of the whole fabric of non-proliferation which has been put together with such effort, patience and statesmanship during the past two decades. On the other hand, the acceptance of 'full-scope' safeguards by these coun- tries would make a major contribution to the security of the regions to which they belong and to the establishment of additional nuclear-weapon-free zones.":' 34. It is on the policy and decisions ofthese threshold countries that the future ofthe non-proliferation regime most immediately depends. In other words, it is their actions which will do most to determine whether, by the end of this decade the number of nuclear-weapon States will remain what it is today or will increase, with all the consequences that such an increase would have for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation ofNuclear .. For the summary record of this statement, see GC (XXIV)I OR.219, para. 61.

I now call on the representa- tive of Yugoslavia to introduce draft resolution A/35/L.II.

We have read carefully the report oflAEA for 1979and have listened with great interest and attention to the statement made by the Director General of the Agency, Mr. Eklund. The report and Mr. Eklund's statement have provided us with a clear picture of the activities of the Agency in the reporting period. During th'~ same time, the international community has been involved in a number ofactions aimed at solving some outstanding problems in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The role played by the Agency and, especially, by Mr. Eklund in those activities deserves our full sup- port. Yugoslavia, as a member of the Agency and ofits present Board of Governors, has done everything in its power to contribute towards the solving of these problems. As in the past, we shall continue to co- operate actively with the Agency and to assist Mr. Eklund and his associates in the fulfilment of their complex tasks. 54. Developments in the field of the use of nuclear energy, both jor peaceful and military purposes, are becoming ever more topical and attracting great attention from world public opinion. This is due, on the one hand, to the fact that a number of accidents at nuclear installations have resulted in a re-examination and the slowing down or cancellation of the construc- tion of a number of projected nuclear power plants. On the other hand, it is the result of the ever greater stockpiling of nuclear weapons and the increased danger of nuclear war. This interest has, of course, also been increased by the acute problem of the energy crisis. It is not fortuitous, therefore, that the report of the Agency begins by dealing with th!s question and with the role that nuclear energy IS likely to play during the next 10 years in the economic development of all countrie~. This p~obl~m is gaining in urgency every day. It IS affecting m particular countries deficient in domestic resources of con- ventional energy. Therefore we attach exceptional interest and significance to this issue. 55. Before I turn my attention to some of the afore- mentioned problems, let me deal briefly with the report of I.~EA. Taken as a ~hole, the ~ep'?rt presents a graphic picture of the policy and activities pursued by the Agency, it emphasizes the increasing .in;tportanc~ of atomic energy 10 various fields of activity and It draws attention to the difficulties arising therefrom but also to the possibilities of overcoming them. We welcome the Agency's approach to these problems and express the wish that it will continue to highlight the positive aspects of the use of the atom for the benefit of mankind. " ... did not detect any anomaly which would indicate the diversion of a significant amount of safeguarded nuclear material for the manufacture of any nuclear weapon, or to further any other military purpose, or for the manufacture of any other nuclear explosive device" 5 as well as its conclusion that " ... nuclear material under Agency safeguards remained in peaceful nuclear activities or was other- wise adequately accounted for."! 59. The report also points to the difficulties arising in regard to the implementation of safeguards, par- ticularly with respect to the recruiting of experts. We feel that the Agency should be assisted in solving this problem. It should be taken into account, however, that the principle of equitable geographical representa- tion in the recruitment of inspectors. should be observed so that developing countries may be adequately represented. It seems to us that a much more difficult problem is posed by the diversity and multiplicity of systems of safeguards implemented by IAEA. The international community should strive towards eliminating this mosaic by elaborating a single universal system of safeguards. The achievement of a new international consensus on this question constitutes an important task facing us in the future. 60. We have noted with interest the increase of funds for technical assistance and promotion of the use of nuclear techniques. With the same interest we are following the efforts designed to ensure, through S See International Atomic Energy Agency, The Annual Report for 1979, GC (XXIV) 627, para. 16. 7 lbid., Thirty-!ourth Session, Plenary Meetings, 52nd meetin" paras. 86-98. 70. In this connexion, the group of sponsors had in mind the following: that the General Assembly had endorsed by consensus the proposal to hold the conference, in principle, by 1983; that objections raised against fixing a date for the conference before taking cognizance of the results of the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation and the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons have been resolved; that there is a heavy schedule of conferences in 1982, in which large numbers of Member States, or all of them, will be involved; and, particularly, the fact that the second special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament willbe held in 1982 and will also deal partly with this problem. 71. The group is also of the opinion that, owing to the complex nature of the technical and scientific problems to be dealt with by the conference, it is necessary to start preparations in time. In this regard, we have in mind the need for active contributions by IAEA, UNIDO, UNDP, FAO and other agencies. Therefore, it is proposed in the draft that a Prepar- atory Committee should be set up at the current session of the Assembly and that it should hold a session in the course of 1981, possible on the eve of the annual IAEA conference in Vienna, where it could take appropriate decisions concerning the agenda, date and duration of the conference, adopt its programme of work and make recommendations regarding the role of lAEA and other United Nations bodies in the preparation and holding of the con- ference. 72. In the draft resolution the General Assembly invites all States to communicate to the Secretary- General, by 30 June 1981 at the latest, their views on the date, duration and venue of the conference and on the role of IAEA and other United Nations bodies, so that the preparatory committee may have at its disposal as great a number of views as possible. 73. The group of non-aligned countries considers that such an approach can greatly improve the prospects for a successful preparation for and holding of the conference. We expect, therefore, that this draft resolution will be adopted by consensus, as has been the case with previous resolutions on this subject. Otherwise there is a risk of the conference not being held at all or of its being postponed, which would certainly not be in the interests of the international community and would affect adversely the development of nuclear programmes in developing countries. 77. Mr. Eklund presents a sombre report on the present status of nuclear power. He is right to do so, for·these are uneasy years for nuclear power. We believe this uneasiness derives from the very benign promise of a technology whose potential destructive- ness is only too well known to the world. It is crucial that a world which realizes the full potential of the peaceful atom does not also become a world in which the materials and the technology for its destructive use are uncontrolled. In this dilemma, a reassessment at some stage was bound to take place, For our part, we believe the concept of a peaceful atom willemerge all the more healthy and vigorous as a result. 78. The first phase of this reassessment was con- cluded early in the past year with the final plenary session of the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation. Time will demonstrate that this exercise, in which IAEA has played a critical role, was a milestone in progress towards the day when nuclear power will be making its proper contribution to the world's energy requirements and doing so with full regard to a safe environment for 'alland to the world's security needs. The Evaluation will provide the information base for future progress in this area. 79. We are pleased that the Agency will play a leading role in the follow-up to the Fuel Cycle Evalua- tion and strongly support the important first step already taken with the creation of the Committee on Assurances of Supply. As we made clear during the General Conference, we would like to see this Committee focus on practical steps to improve security of supply in the near term, thus clearing the way f(''' an international consensus on conditions for supp over the longer term. To this end, my country looks forward to active participation in the Committee's labours, as well as in the Agency's work on interna- tional plutonium and spent fuel storage.. 80. In the United States, scientists, engineers and public policy-makers are grappling with the implica- tions for nuclear power of the Three Mile Island accident. We were exceedingly fortunate that Three Mile Island took no lives and caused no injuries, but we take small comfort from that fact. We have learned from that accident and we hope to learn more about how to avoid such accidents in the future. 88. My delegation is of the view that the new guide- lines should be reviewed in order to make them con- form to the statute of the Agency. In view of the discriminatory nature of the new rules, my country has been forced to forgo technical assitance from the Agency. My country is not against the technical assistance programme of the Agency. In fact, India continues to participate in that programme of the Agency in the capacity of a donor. The Government of India continues to make its assessed voluntary contribution towards that programme. It is the hope of my delegation that the objectionable portion of the new guidelines will soon be removed with a view to ensuring that the role of the Agency in promoting the development of atomic energy for peace is not im- paired. 89. My delegation is of the view that it is necessary to work out a predictable and assured source of financing in order to ensure that the technical assistance programme of the Agency is capable of effective implementation. My delegation therefore welcomes the fact that studies have been undertaken to find a solution to the problem of financing. 90. My delegation supports the Agency's role and programme in the field of nuclear safety. The Govern- ment of India, in recognition of the importance of that role, made a supplementary voluntary con- R~Ilublics) (interpretation from Russian): The Soviet de~egation, having studied the report of IAEA and hav.ng heard the statement of the Director General or'IAEA, Mr. Eklund, notes with satisfaction that both the content of the report of the IAEA and the" statement by Mr. Eklund are evidence of the extensive work accomplished by the Agency during this past year. 99. The Soviet Union places a high value upon the important role of the Agency in the strengthening of the regime of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, the implementation of effective international control over the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy and technology and the development of co-operation among States in the field of nuclear energy. During the years of its existence the Agency has demonstrated its ability as an important instrument in the struggle to maintain peace and strengthen international co- operation. 100. One of the most important tasks facing the Agency, under the terms ofits statute and in pursuance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, is the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime. The importance of that task may be explained, .in particular, by the fact that genuinely successful and fruitful co-operation in the sphere of nuclear energy in the interests of all countries can be secured only when the international community is guaranteed against such co-operation becoming a channel for the proliferation of nuclear weapons. 101. The second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons has become an important landmark in the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime. 102. The General Secretary of the Central Com- mittee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, L. I. Brezhnev, in his message to the participants in that Conference pointed out that: "Ten years have passed since the Treaty entered into force, and it may now be said with fulljustifica- tion that the conclusion of the Treaty was an important step towards halting the nuclear arms race in the interests of peace on earth. "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons effectively serves the interests of coun- tries, both large and small, nuclear and non-nuclear, industrially developed and developing... "The Treaty also laid a solid foundation for the development of fruitful international co-operation in the peaceful application of atomic energy, and created favourable conditions for the wide use of such energy for constructive purposes. " "The Soviet Union considers it essential-par- ticularly in the present circumstances-to implement 9 See Final Document of the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPf/CONF/II/22/11), 1st meeting, para. 44, 113. In addition to the prevention of the prolifera- tion of nuclear weapons throughout our planet, under its statute the Agency has, as is known, taken upon itself the task of developing international co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. At this time of world famine in fossil fuels, a large number of both economically developed and developing countries are interested in and aspire to acquiring accelerated development of peaceful nuclear technology. As is very appropriately pointed out in the Agency's report, 114. The Soviet Union, which has achieved sub- stantive results in the utilization of atomic energy for creative purposes, is taking an active part in interna- tional multilateral co-operation in this regard and is sharing its achievements with interested countries, both through IAEA and on a bilateral basis through the transfer of knowledge, the provision of technical assistance, participation in the exchange of nuclear materials and the exchange of scientific and technical information. The Soviet Union offers its services to a number of countries in the enrichment of nuclear fuel. Nuclear energy is becoming an important factor in the economic and social development of many countries. For a number of objective and subjective reasons, that process is proceeding unevenly, but it is already irreversible. Therefore, at the present stage of scientific and technical development, co-operation between countries, in the solution of energy problems is assuming increasing significance. In this connexion it should be pointed out how important is the role played by the Agency in organizing such co-operation. The Soviet Union has supported, now supports and will continue to support scientific and technical programmes of the Agency. We note with satisfaction that in carrying out that work the Agency takes due account of the needs of the developing countries, and that that is expressed concretely in virtually all the scientific and technical programmes of the depart- ments of the IAEA secretariat. From year to year the voluntary contributions of member countries of IAEA to the Technical Assistance Fund are growing. In accordance with our policy of providing technical co-operation to developing countries members of IAEA, the Soviet Government has decided to increase its voluntary contribution,to the Technical Assistance Fund to 1,0SO,000 roubles in national currency, which is higher than the estimated figures used by the secre- tariat. As in past years, those funds may be used by the Agency to acquire in the Soviet Union equipment, nuclear materials for research purposes, and heat- releasing elements for research reactors with low enrichment in uranium-23S, and also to conduct in the Soviet Union introductory study programmes for specialists from developing countries. Under the programme of personnel training, the Soviet Union is spending 100,000 roubles-in addition to the above figure-measures of technical organization. liS. At the twenty-second regular session of the General Conference of the IAEA, in 1977, the Soviet Union announced that it would contribute to the IAEA Fund, on a non-reimbursable basis, for a five- year period, SO kilograms of uranium-23S to assist the activities of the Agency in the peaceful utilization of atomic energy. 116. In trying to meet the wishes of a number of developing countries, the Soviet Union has decided 117~ It is from the point of view of the maximum utilization of the resources of IAEA in regard to co-operation for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy that the Soviet Union is analysing and appraising any proposals relating to any particular measures of international magnitude. In other words, we proceed from the idea that questions of co-operation in the sphere of nuclear energy that are truly of great significance for both the developed and the developing countries must be examined within the framework of IAEA. This approach ofours applies also to the holding of conferences, consultations and symposia on assistance for international co-operation in the sphere of the utilization of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 118. The large-scale use of nuclear energy for the welfare of mankind throughout the world depends largely on successes in this field on a national level. The experience of an individual country becomes the heritage of many, and we are witnesses to the increasing contribution of many countries to the achievements of modem atomic science and tech- nology. A good example of this could' be the results of the programme of the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation. 119. In.theelaboration and in the solution ofproblems involved in the development of nuclear energy and its fuel cycle, primary significance is given in our country to ensuring the safety o~'1tion of power stations and industrial nuclear fa ,. We appraise highly the activities of the AgencY Il\I the elaboration of codes and rules for the security of nuclear power stations. In developing nuclear energy, the Soviet Union is engaged at the same time iri wide interna- tional co-operation in this sphere both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of IAEA. The achieve- ments ofSoviet atomic science and technology become available to all countries .through publications and reports of Soviet scientists at various international conferences and symposia as well as through the participation of Soviet specialists in undertakings of IAEA. 120. Together with the development ofclassic atomic energy based on the splitting of heavy nuclei, in the Soviet Union we are continuing extensive research and development in setting up power plants of the next generation-synthesis thermonuclear reactors. 121. For many countries, long-term nuclear power development programmes are connected with the problem of reliable fuel supply for nuclear power stations. As we indicated earlier, the concern of coun- tries with regard to nuclear fuel has been reflected in the decision of the IAEA Board of Governors at its June 1980 session to establish a committee to consider problems related to assured nuclear supplies in compliance with effective measures for the non- 122. In taking its decision to participate in the Com- mittee on Assurances of Supply, the Soviet Union proceeded on the understanding that the Committee in its work will fully take into account the existing agreements in this sphere. Only on this basis is it possible to speak of the establishment of genuine conditions for drawing up a reliable system of assured supplies of nuclear fuel to countries without fearing that such a system might be used as a channel for the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices. 123. The Soviet Union places great significance on the Agency's successful implementation of its obligation to apply guarantees. We note with satisfac- tion that in 1979, as in past years, there has been no transfer of nuclear materials under safeguards for the production ofnuclear weapons or for military purposes or for the production of any other nuclear explosive device. As we all know, the scope of the activities of IAEA in the application of safeguards has greatly increased in recent years. Such complex facilities as uranium reprocessing and enrichment plants and plants for the preparation of mixed fuels are now included under its control. This has presented the Agency with a number of problems whose successful solution will enable it to achieve the necessary effectiveness of control. My country will continue wholeheartedly to support IAEA' s activities with regard to the subject of guarantees. We should point out in this connexion that we have earmarked 1 million roubles for 1980-1982 for work in the USSR relating to technical supports for safeguards, and that at the present time the programme for this work is being co-ordinated. 124. In speaking of the continued development of the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and the implementation of safeguards measures, my delega- tion wishes to emphasize the important role being played in this field by the Agency and its Director General, Mr. Eklund. We in the Soviet Union have a high regard for the efforts of IAEA to scientific and technical co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and in the exchange of information, including the holding of international scientific con- ferences and the provision of technical assistance to interested countries. Our country is making great use of atomic energy for creative purposes and is ready in the future to share its experience and its scientific and technical knowledge in this sphere in order to achieve further progress. 131. This was confirmed at the second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, although unfortu- nately the Conference was not able to reach agree- ment on the text of a final document. Notwithstanding differing positions on several issues, the parties to the Treaty identified themselves with this instrument of international law and emphasized the importance of the principle of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. 132. We are in agreement with all States that have expressed their concern about the undiminished arms race, and we see the recent armament decisions of the countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- tion [NATO] as the result of a policy of confronta- tion that gives rise to new threats to peace and detente and that hampers international co-operation, in particular in the field of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The only way out is to step up efforts aimed at halting the arms race, first of all in the field of nuclear weapons, and to initiate measures leading to disarmament. 133. It is well known that the German Democratic Republic, as well as the USSR and other socialist countries, is advocating the speedy conclusion of a 134.' To bring about pertinent initiatives is also among the goals set for the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly. Everything that has been achieved so far in the field of arms limitation and disarmament must be utilized and consolidated to make headway in this difficult process. This applies, first of all, to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We emphatically support the endeavours to make that Treaty universal in scope. 135. The work of IAEA in the field of safeguards is a considerable contribution to the strengthening of the regime of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The report on the safeguards implementa- tion gives rise to the well-founded conclusion that nuclear material which is subject to such control has remained within the sphere of peaceful nuclear activities. 136. The ascertaining of this by IAEA is of extra- ordinary significance for the building and consolidation of confidence among States, which is imperative for peaceful co-operation, The German Democratic Republic will continue to support the efforts under- taken by the Secretariat with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of safeguards. 137. On the other hand, it must be noted with con- cern that the number of non-nuclear-weapon States operating unsafeguarded nuclear facilities has re- mained unchanged and, further, that reports indicate that there may even be an increase in this number in the near future. 138. Therefore, the demands that the safeguards agreements so far concluded be fully realized and that non-nuclear-weapon States place all their nuclear activities under IAEA safeguards are of primary importance. 139. With the successful preparation or the Conven- tion on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its opening for signature, IAEA has fulfilled an important task. The German Democratic Republic has signed that Convention and is preparing its ratification. My country hopes that all Member States of the United Nations will accede to this document, which is so highly important for nuclear q~fety. 140. We commend the activities of IAEA towards the successful conclusion of the studies of the Interna- tional Fuel Cycle Evaluation. Those activities, among others, generated the establishment of the Committee on Assurances of Supply by IAEA's Board of Gov- ernors. The German Democratic Republic is taking an active part in the Committee's work. Its participa- tion is guided by the objective of seeing to it that the recommendations and proposals to be prepared by that Committee are in accordance with the endeavours further to strengthen the regime of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. 141. The German Democratic Republic endorses the plan to convene in 1983 a conference concerning the promotion of international co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. According to the 146. In addition, a long-term programme that outlines various fields in which my country is ready to lend its co-operation was submitted to the secretariat of the Agency. The programme takes into account the major trends of developn. ' of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy as well ~;:, ~pecific wishes voiced by developing countries. In accordance with its statute, the IAEA has established an effective system of 151. Among the resources of this planet with regard to which alarm signals have begun to be sounded, energy is one of the most if not the most critical. Factual causes and others which are politically nourished interact, and profoundly affect the times we live in. Despite the fact that any projection on the subject has a high level of inaccuracy, we shall not be far from the truth if we say that fossil fuel reserves will be depleted by the middle of the next century and that uranium, if used in the way that will best exploit its potential, will become the main source of energy in the immediate future. 152. The Republic of Argentina, which is aware of the seriousness of the situation, has for some time been giving special attention and devoting considerable efforts to the development of its ability to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Likewise, from a multilateral point of view, we have supported, within the limits of our means and possibilities, the work of 153-. On the other hand, we are quite naturally concerned with the problem of nuclear proliferation, which is theoretically linked with the development of technology. Argentina, because of its characteristics as a peace-loving country which-even more im- portant-it has throughout history proved itself to be, fully respects and supports the safeguards mechanisms administered by the Agency and, furthermore, agrees that those: mechanisms should be reviewed so as to keep up to date with the advances being made in the field of nuclear installations. 154. We would not wish our concern at this problem, however, to conceal an even greater concern arising out ofsuch real and effective causes as those mentioned in the valuable "Comprehensive study on nuclear weapons" prepared by the Group ofExperts appointed by the Secretary-General, when it states that in the last 12 years "The total number of strategic nuclear warheads has increased from 4,500 to at least 9,200 for the United States and from 1,000 to at least 6,COO for the USSR" [see A/35/392, annex, para. 5] . 155. We said at the outset that it was still necessary to insist on the defence of the principles of equity which are incorporated in our claims. Although this affirmation does not imply a positive assessment of the present situation, we are not so pessimistic as not to appreciate that certain progress and certain recognition have been achieved. 156. In the first place, we cannot deny that the atmosphere for an international debate is compar- atively more objective today than it was some years ago. This development is not due to mere chance. On the various occasions when these questions have been considered-both in the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation and at the second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons-the international community has refused to endorse the application of restrictive policies by countries which control the nuclear trade. 157. Secondly-and I am saying this from the point of view of my country specifically-we see with satisfaction that, despite the fact that international conditions are not always favourable, the plans drawn up by our Atomic Energy Commission are being successfully developed, as regards both the intalla- tion of nuclear plants and the matter of their supply, radioisotope and radiation programmes, radiological protection programmes and, finall y, nuclear research and development. 158. While it may appear premature to attempt an assessment of our experience in recent years, we find that an adequate explanation of the causes and effects observed are recorded in the following state- ment made by the Chairman of the National Atomic 10 Quoted in English by the speaker.