A/65/PV.46 General Assembly

This is my first report to the General Assembly as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency. A constant theme of my first year in office has been the pursuit of objectives related to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the promotion of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in a balanced manner. I am trying to change the widespread perception of the Agency as simply the world’s “nuclear watchdog”, because that term does not do justice to our extensive activities in other areas, especially in nuclear energy, nuclear science and applications, and technical cooperation. Today, I will review the highlights of the Agency’s work in the past year and share some thoughts on current issues. I will start with nuclear energy. In March, the International Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear Energy, which took place in Paris, illustrated the growing international interest in nuclear power as a clean and stable source of energy that can help to mitigate the impact of climate change. I expressed my conviction that access to nuclear power should not be limited to developed countries but should be available to developing countries as well. Some 60 countries are considering introducing nuclear energy. We expect up to 25 new countries to bring their first nuclear power plants on line by 2030. Many of the countries that already have nuclear power are planning or building new reactors or extending the operational life of existing reactors. While it is up to the Member State to decide whether or not to opt for nuclear power, the Agency has a key role to play in ensuring that the expansion in nuclear power takes place in an efficient, responsible and sustainable manner. When countries express an interest in introducing nuclear power, we offer advice in many areas, including on how to put the appropriate legal and regulatory framework into place and how to ensure the highest standards of safety and security, without increasing proliferation risks. The Agency continues to assist countries that are expanding existing nuclear power programmes. It is in those countries that the most new nuclear power plants will be built and where the lifetime of existing plants is being extended. Our work with those countries is focused on areas such as operational safety and security, improving nuclear waste disposal and decommissioning old reactors. The Agency signed an agreement with the Russian Federation in March to establish a low- enriched uranium bank in Angarsk, which is intended to provide assurance of supply for nuclear power plants. Some IAEA member States have proposed other mechanisms for assurance of supply. In view of the increasing interest of many countries in introducing nuclear power, I would like to encourage international lending institutions to consider being more open in their approach to funding nuclear power projects. I also believe that the benefits of nuclear power in mitigating the negative effects of climate change deserve wider recognition in the relevant international forums. I would like to touch upon nuclear applications next. The work of the IAEA in areas such as health care and nutrition, food security, the environment and water resource management is extremely important for many member States. I made cancer in developing countries a high priority for my first year in office. Some 665 people in developing countries die of cancer every hour — nearly three times as many as in developed countries. Around 70 per cent of cancers in developing countries are diagnosed too late for life- saving treatment. In many low-income countries, there is not a single radiation therapy machine. Since 1980, the IAEA has delivered over $220 million worth of cancer-related assistance to developing countries. Our special focus on cancer this year has already started to bear fruit. I believe we have succeeded in raising awareness of the problem of cancer in developing countries to a higher political level. Our cooperation with the World Health Organization is going from strength to strength. Pledges and donations to our Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy are running at record levels. We are also seeing a very strong commitment by developing countries to our activities, which has led to an improvement in the quality of some of our cancer- related technical cooperation projects. The availability of water for sustainable development is also a growing concern. As member States make increased efforts to meet that challenge, they need better scientific knowledge of their water resources. Nuclear technology is also very useful in that area. We have initiated a new IAЕA Water Availability Enhancement Project, which is aimed at helping member States acquire such knowledge. Turning now to nuclear safety and security, we have seen a very significant improvement in the safety performance of the nuclear industry since the Chernobyl disaster nearly 25 years ago. That reflects factors that include improved design, better operating procedures, a strengthened and more effective regulatory environment and the emergence of a strong safety culture. While it is the responsibility of States to ensure nuclear safety, the IAEA promotes an integrated approach to safety, focusing on management systems, effective leadership and safety culture. The Agency also promotes international cooperation, providing review services to member States and supporting knowledge networks and training. While recognizing that nuclear security is the responsibility of States, the Agency continues to assist States in developing a sustainable nuclear security capacity. In April 2010, the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., attended by leaders from 47 countries, reaffirmed the essential role of the Agency as part of the international nuclear security framework. It also pledged to ensure that the Agency has the resources to assist States in strengthening nuclear security. Adherence to the relevant international legal instruments on nuclear security has gradually increased. However, while it has been five years since the adoption of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, progress towards its entry into force remains slow. I encourage the parties to the Convention to work towards accelerating the entry into force of the Amendment. I take great pride in the fact that the Agency’s technical cooperation activities are making a real difference in the lives of many people in developing countries. As I mentioned, we make nuclear techniques available to help fight cancer, boost food production, combat animal diseases and improve the management of scarce water resources, to name just a few areas. Capacity-building is at the heart of our work in technical cooperation. The ultimate goal is to make countries self-sufficient, to help them establish or maintain a sustainable, highly specialized and trained human resource base in all areas of nuclear science and applications. The IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative, announced this year by the United States, with a generous contribution of $50 million over a five-year period, has resulted in increased funding for some of our technical cooperation activities, especially in the area of nuclear power infrastructure for countries embarking on new nuclear power programmes. I welcome a pledge of support from Japan and encourage other countries that are able to do so to contribute to that endeavour. Turning now to nuclear verification, I have continued to report regularly to the Board of Governors on the implementation of the Agency’s safeguards agreements. I have stressed that all safeguards agreements between States and the Agency and other relevant obligations should be implemented fully. In that connection, the nuclear programme of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remains a matter of serious concern. The Agency has had no inspectors in the country since April 2009. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has not permitted the Agency to implement safeguards in the country since December 2002, and it has not implemented the measures called for in Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009). I call on all parties concerned to make concerted efforts for a resumption of the Six-Party Talks at an appropriate time. In the case of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material, but the Islamic Republic of Iran has not provided the necessary cooperation to permit the Agency to confirm that all nuclear material in Iran is devoted to peaceful activities. The cooperation needed includes, among others, full implementation of the relevant resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors and of the Security Council. Turning now to the Middle East, I submitted a report on Israeli nuclear capabilities to the IAEA General Conference in September, as requested by the General Conference in 2009. I also held consultations on convening a forum on the relevance of the experience of existing nuclear-weapon-free zones to the establishment of such a zone in the Middle East, but there was no convergence of views among member States on that issue. The Agency is supporting the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones in various regions of the world. The Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in May 2010 endorsed the convening of a conference in 2012, to be attended by all States of the Middle East, on the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction in that region. Having been personally involved in the NPT process since 1995, I was very pleased that the 2010 NPT Review Conference produced some concrete results. I hope that the proposed 2012 conference will take place with the participation of all relevant States and that it will lead to a productive outcome. Finally, I would like to reiterate that the Agency will continue to implement all aspects of its mandate in a balanced manner in order to address the varying interests of member States and facilitate the safe and secure peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan to introduce draft resolution A/65/L.10.

Pakistan’s recent election as Chair of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors for the 2010-2011 period is a singular honour and a manifestation of the international community’s acknowledgement of Pakistan’s credentials and the role it can play with regard to the matters within the ambit of the Agency. We look forward to working closely with the IAEA member States, the Director General and his staff to further our collective interests in a cooperative and equitable manner. An expression of deep appreciation for Director General Yukiya Amano is in order for his efforts to promote nuclear science and technology, which is the primary mission of the IAEA. The role of the IAEA in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is indispensable. The Agency is uniquely placed to facilitate the transfer of nuclear technology to developing countries. The global renaissance of nuclear power generation has enhanced the scope of the Agency’s contribution to meeting the needs and challenges of the twenty-first century. We are confident that the Agency will ensure equitable access to nuclear materials, technology and equipment for peaceful purposes. As one of the earliest member States of the Agency, Pakistan has long been a strong advocate of utilizing nuclear technology for peace, progress and prosperity for all. Over the years, Pakistan itself has benefited immensely from the expertise provided by the Agency in the form of expert missions, including the Operational Safety Review Team, Assessment of Safety-Significant Events Team missions, and the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme. Pakistan attaches the highest importance to the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme. We have contributed to it in the form of training, provision of experts and hosting of seminars and workshops. We would like to stress the need for enhanced and assured resource allocation for technical cooperation activities, technology transfer and training facilities for developing countries. We also would like to emphasize the importance of further strengthening and expansion of the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme through, inter alia, greater involvement of developing countries in the Programme’s design and implementation. Safety and verification issues are important pillars of the IAEA mandate. We share the view that all States should comply fully with their safeguards obligations and international commitments. Fulfilment by all States of their legal obligations is the most important step towards maintaining the credibility of the safeguards regime. A balance between the Agency’s regulatory, promotional and safety functions will ensure its continuing relevance in the context of promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and non- proliferation. There is a need for greater understanding and cooperation among the member States of the Agency to advance its mandate on the basis of impartiality, equity and professionalism. Efforts are also required to correct the public perception of the IAEA as being just a nuclear watchdog agency. The Agency’s primary role in the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology needs to be re-emphasized. Pakistan has established a strong and independent nuclear safety and security infrastructure. The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, an independent entity, has been in place for almost a decade now. Pakistan is a party to several international conventions and actively participates in the nuclear safety and security activities and programmes of the Agency. Pakistan is also contributing to IAEA databases such as the Illicit Trafficking Database, the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale and the International Reporting System for Operating Experience. Endowed with limited indigenous energy resources, Pakistan has long been a strong advocate of building nuclear power plants. Pakistan was one of the earliest countries to launch a programme of nuclear power generation. Back in 1965, when Pakistan signed for its first commercial nuclear power plant, it was the fifteenth country in the world and only the second developing country to start a nuclear power programme. Our first nuclear power plant, KANUPP, started operation in 1972. The second power plant, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 1, has been in operation since 2000, while the second unit will be commissioned next year. Pakistan has the experience of more than 45 years of safe reactor operation and a technical and engineering infrastructure to maintain and provide technical support to those plants. With a sizeable civilian nuclear programme, a well-trained pool of experts and decades of experience in nuclear operations in the areas of power generation, health, medicine, agriculture, biotechnology and industrial applications, Pakistan is in a unique position to share its knowledge and expertise in a number of areas, under IAEA safeguards, including through training placements and expert missions. Pakistan has also been participating in the IAEA International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles since its inception. Like other member States, we congratulated the IAEA on the tenth anniversary of that very valuable programme in September 2010. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission has been given a mandate by the Government of Pakistan to install 8,800 megawatts of nuclear energy by 2030 as part of our Energy Security Plan. The primary objectives of the Plan are to offset shortages in power generation to meet the exponential rise in the energy requirements of a growing population and an expanding economy. Nuclear power generation is therefore an indispensable component of our national energy security strategy. The Plan envisages setting up several additional nuclear power reactors to increase the share of nuclear power in the energy mix from the current 0.8 per cent to 4.2 per cent by 2030. In addition to utilizing nuclear energy for power generation, Pakistan has also focused on applications of ionizing radiation and radioisotopes in the fields of health, agriculture and industry. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission currently manages 14 nuclear medical centres catering to around half a million patients every year, most of them free of cost. Four additional centres are under construction. Using its research reactor, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission produces domestically most of the radioisotopes required for medical purposes. Recently, a molybdenum production facility was commissioned. Besides meeting the requirements of the country’s nuclear medical centres and hospitals, that facility will have spare capacity for export to other countries. The entry into effect of the amendment to article VI of the Statute will enhance the representative character of the IAEA Board of Governors, thereby contributing to a more effective role for the Agency. We hope the Agency secretariat will strengthen its outreach activities to achieve that objective. In Pakistan’s capacity as Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors, allow me now to introduce, under agenda item 87, the draft resolution entitled “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency”, contained in document А/65/L.10, on behalf of Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Uruguay, as well as on behalf of Pakistan. The result of consultations in Vienna, the consensus text notes with appreciation, as in previous years, the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (A/65/140); takes note of the resolutions adopted at the fifty-fourth regular session of the IAEA General Conference held from 20 to 24 September; reaffirms the General Assembly’s strong support for the Agency’s indispensable role in encouraging and assisting the development and practical application of atomic energy for peaceful uses, in technology transfer to developing countries and in nuclear safety, verification and security; and appeals to Member States to continue to support the Agency’s activities. It is the hope of the sponsors that the draft resolution will, as it was last year, be adopted by consensus. It is also open to further co-sponsorships.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Montenegro and Serbia; as well as the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for his presentation of the Agency’s report for 2009 (A/65/140), as well as the delegate of Pakistan for his introduction of the draft resolution (A/65/L.10) on the report. The European Union member States are co- sponsors of the draft resolution. We thank the Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors for his efforts, and we sincerely hope that the draft resolution will be adopted by consensus. The IAЕА was created more than five decades ago to promote “Atoms for Peace”, with the mandate to increase the contribution of nuclear energy to peace, health and prosperity, to ensure that nuclear activities are not diverted to military purposes, to spread a culture of safety and rigorous safety standards throughout the world, and, more recently, to avert the risk of nuclear terrorism. Today, the Agency is faced with a number of compelling challenges, in particular nuclear proliferation and compliance issues. In that context, the European Union would like to thank IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano and the IAEA secretariat for their professional and impartial work. The European Union assures them of its unfailing support. The year 2010 marks an important milestone for the nuclear non-proliferation regime, which has been given new impetus. Committed to effective multilateral action against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the European Union warmly welcomes the consensus reached at the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in May this year. The action plan (see NPT/CONF.2010/50) agreed on for all three pillars of the NPT – non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful uses – as well as the agreement on the process for implementation of the 1995 NPT resolution on the Middle East, including a conference to be convened in 2012, demonstrates our common resolve not only to uphold but also to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The 2010 NPT Review Conference reaffirmed the role of the IAEA in verifying and assuring compliance by States with their safeguards obligations, with a view to preventing the diversion of nuclear energy from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons. We now need to begin implementing the NPT action plan, building on the results of the Review Conference and continuing the spirit of consensus and cooperation that characterized the negotiations. With regard to the Agency’s mandate, we will be particularly keen to ensure that the IAEA operates in an effective and efficient manner and has adequate resources. The European Union is fully committed to the implementation of the action plan and will fully support the Agency’s efforts to that end. The European Union invites all member States to engage actively with the Agency in that regard. The Agency’s system of safeguards is a fundamental component of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and plays an indispensable role in the implementation of the NPT. The European Union reiterates its view that the measures contained in the Additional Protocol form an integral part of that system and that comprehensive safeguards agreements, together with the additional protocols, constitute the current IAEA verification standard. The European Union calls for the universalization of those two essential instruments of the IAEA safeguards system without delay, as a means to strengthen the non- proliferation regime, enhance security worldwide and increase the confidence needed for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy to reach its full potential. The European Union reaffirms its understanding of the role of the United Nations Security Council as the final arbiter of international peace and security in order to take appropriate action in the event of non- compliance with NPT obligations, including safeguards agreements. The European Union attaches the utmost importance to a high level of nuclear safety worldwide. International cooperation is crucial for promoting the global nuclear safety network. Nuclear security is an essential programme of the Agency, and the European Union commends the IAEA for its activities aimed at preventing and combating nuclear terrorism. The NPT Review Conference and the Nuclear Security Summit emphasized the important role of the IAEA in fostering international cooperation in nuclear security, establishing a comprehensive set of nuclear security guidelines and assisting member States, upon their request, to enhance nuclear security. The European Union is of the firm view that each country has the right to define its own energy strategy. For those countries that consider including, or plan to include, nuclear power in their energy strategies, the Agency has a key role to play in assisting them to ensure that the development and operation of nuclear power takes place under the most stringent legal, operational safety, security and non-proliferation conditions. The European Union welcomes the Agency’s activities to increase the contribution made by nuclear technology to peace, health and economic development. The European Union has always been a strong supporter of the technical cooperation programme, to which it is one of the main contributors. We recognize that addressing the global challenges of hunger, disease, poverty and water resource management and creating a cleaner and safer environment are particularly significant for developing countries, and the European Union values the efforts of the Agency in those areas. The European Union reiterates its full support for the IAEA and is pleased to co-sponsor the draft resolution on the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency before the Assembly.

I wish to begin by expressing the appreciation of the delegation of Egypt to Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for his presentation of the key elements of the report of the Agency on its activities in various fields. The report reflects the continued effectiveness of the Agency in fulfilling its mandate in enhancing the balanced interests of member States in the three main pillars of its activities: nuclear technology, nuclear safety and security, and verification. In that context, and to repeat our continued support for the role of the Agency in all three pillars, Egypt joins, as it does every year, in co-sponsoring the draft resolution entitled “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency” (A/65/L.10). The IAEA plays a central role in the exercise of the inalienable right provided to non-nuclear-weapon States by article IV of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to acquire and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The final document of the NPT Review Conference reconfirmed that right last May, stressing the importance of respecting the decisions and policies of non-nuclear-weapon States relating to their acquisition of nuclear energy for development goals, and to the peaceful use of nuclear energy to implement such plans, without restrictions, by means of international cooperation to acquire the required nuclear technologies and material. While a large number of non-nuclear-weapon States did not benefit from their right to nuclear energy in the past, the situation is changing in the face of the qualitative and quantitative increase in the energy needs of countries of the developing world, including Egypt, imposed by international crises such as the energy and climate change crises. Thus in 2006 Egypt decided, based on our national, scientific and practical capabilities, to enter the field of nuclear energy. We started the process in March 2010 by adopting national legislation establishing a regulatory authority responsible for nuclear and radioactive safety, which reports to the Prime Minister. That was part of the preparations under way to build the first Egyptian nuclear reactor, in the context of the first phase of Egypt’s nuclear energy programme for generating electricity. The larger plan includes building four nuclear reactors for electricity generation by the year 2025. Therefore, and in view of the IAEA’s increasing role in enhancing sustainable development and effectively assisting non-nuclear- weapon States party to the NPT to meet their growing needs for nuclear energy, Egypt looks forward to increasing cooperation with the Agency in this important field. Egypt remains among the leading States that have provided unlimited support to the IAEA since its establishment, believing in the role of the Agency in the field of verification of nuclear non-proliferation and its role in promoting the benefits of the peaceful use of nuclear energy and supporting development ambitions and international needs in a broad range of fields. However, the effectiveness of the comprehensive safeguards system remains limited in light of the fact that it is not universal, especially in the Middle East. Intensified international efforts are required to guarantee the implementation of the Comprehensive Safeguards System in all States of the region, without exception. To attain the goal of universalizing the comprehensive safeguards system, especially in non-nuclear-weapon States, it is essential that the Agency’s role be strengthened in verifying compliance of nuclear-weapon States with regard to commitment to nuclear disarmament. It is also essential to make more significant progress in universalizing the NPT itself, especially in the Middle East, through the accession of Israel to the Treaty as a non-nuclear-weapon State. That will enable non-nuclear-weapon States to accept additional obligations, which may enhance the non-proliferation regime and lead to more balance in obligations in a non-discriminatory manner at both the regional and international levels. On the regional level, all States of the Middle East region have joined the Comprehensive Safeguards System with the exception of Israel, which continues to conduct suspicious nuclear activities outside any international control, disregarding tens of international calls and resolutions demanding its accession to the NPT as a non-nuclear-weapon State. That undoubtedly increases the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East in a manner that hinders the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region. Egypt sees promising prospects for significant progress in the field of universalizing the NPT in our region and for the universalization of the application of Comprehensive Safeguards there through the honest and balanced implementation of the detailed action plan adopted by the 2010 NPT Review Conference and through the immediate start of preparations for convening the international conference in 2012 to launch regional negotiations aimed at the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. In that context, Egypt reaffirms the importance of the role mandated by the 2010 NPT Review Conference to the IAEA in implementing the Action Plan and renews its intention to work seriously with the Agency and with other concerned parties to secure the success of the 2012 conference and its achieving the anticipated results. On the international level, Egypt welcomes the signature of the New START agreement between the United States of America and the Russian Federation and the subsequent trilateral agreement between the IAEA and both countries. Through the trilateral agreement a large amount of weapons-grade fissile material from previous nuclear programmes will be subject to verification by the Agency and be down- blended for peaceful use in power reactors, thus ensuring that such material will not return to military nuclear programmes. Egypt looks forward to expanding the application of that framework to cover larger and more comprehensive forms of quantities of weapons-grade material and to include all other nuclear-weapon States in order to bring elements of transparency, irreversibility and effective verifiability of progress into the field of nuclear disarmament. That will help the NPT regime to recover its balance and allow the Agency to play a real role in this crucial area. The Agency has the central role as the sole international forum mandated to work in the multilateral context on developing and supervising the application of the highest standards of nuclear safety and security in nuclear energy reactors and on contributing to the ability of developing countries to safely benefit from nuclear energy. Bearing that in mind, Egypt took part in the Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington last April and participates in all the preparatory meetings for the next summit in order to contribute to any international effort aimed at dealing with such extremely sensitive issues. Our success in achieving progress on those issues will be difficult without true international joint efforts based on strengthening the NPT regime and realizing its universality, on the one hand, and achieving more progress in nuclear disarmament efforts, on the other. In the area of technical cooperation, Egypt has opened its nuclear facilities and laboratories to States in the Arab region and the African continent and has placed its experience in this field at their service, as we believe in the importance of international cooperation activities in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In that context, Egypt stresses the priority of IAEA technical cooperation activities, both for Egypt and for other developing countries that benefit from programmes on the use of nuclear technologies in health, agriculture, food, water resources, radioactive isotopes and radiation technologies, inter alia. While Egypt supports expanding the Agency’s activities in the area of the production of radioactive isotopes required to cure cancer, and while we currently cooperate with the Agency to begin the operation of a new medical radioactive isotopes production facility for that purpose, my country also welcomes the development and upgrading of the Agency’s technical cooperation strategy aimed at supporting the realization of the development objectives of member States and identifying the vital activities to which nuclear technology can effectively contribute in the short and intermediate terms. Consequently, we reaffirm the importance of securing and increasing financing for the international cooperation activities of the Agency, given that such activities are among its central functions, according to its Statute. In conclusion, I reiterate that Egypt intends to intensify and increase cooperation with the Agency within our continued effort to enhance our national capabilities in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to benefit from the Agency’s full support in our national efforts in this important field.

Cuba welcomes and supports the important role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The application of nuclear techniques contributes to mitigating soil deterioration, desertification, warming of the atmosphere and other natural phenomena that affect the production of food and the life of man on Earth. We give high priority to cooperation between developing countries. In that context, Cuba salutes the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Regional Cooperative Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean, known as ARCAL. The technical cooperation pillar of the IAEA should be strengthened and should receive the resources it needs on an unconditional basis, in accordance with its priority. Our commitment to technical cooperation is strong, as can be shown through the following examples, to cite just a few. First, Cuba strictly complies with its obligations under the IAEA technical cooperation programme. In 2009, we achieved an implementation rate for national programmes of 85 per cent, which was higher than the general and regional average. Secondly, our country participated broadly in the coordinated research programmes. In 2009, Cuban researchers took part in 29 research contracts under those programmes. Thirdly, Cuba strictly complies with its financial commitments to the IAEA Technical Cooperation Fund, including a contribution of 100 per cent of expenses for national participation. The economic, commercial and financial blockade, which the Government of the United States of America has imposed on Cuba for over 50 years, affects the activities of the IAEA in our country and is in violation of the Statute of the Agency. Up to December 2009, the embargo has caused Cuba economic losses of over $100.154 billion, calculated in a very conservative fashion. Because of the embargo, the IAEA is having difficulties in purchasing specialized equipment for projects in Cuba, since American companies or companies with American share capital cannot sell that equipment for use in Cuba, since they face the possibility of sanctions. Similarly, Cuban citizens have difficulties when it comes to participating in training programmes organized in the United States. That impacts the implementation of programmes linked to the fight against cancer, which is a priority for the IAEA. By denouncing here once again the unjust and unlawful embargo — which was condemned in this Hall just a few days ago by the overwhelming majority of the States Members of the United Nations — Cuba recognizes at the same time the constant efforts of the IAEA secretariat to seek alternatives and find solutions to that situation. The IAEA certified once again that Cuba strictly complies with its commitments in the area of safeguards, confirming us as a country with no undeclared nuclear material or activities. We note with profound concern the climate of mistrust that has been encouraged with regard to the IAEA verification work in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Syrian Arab Republic as a result of geopolitical interests and double standards known to all. We confirm that verification activities should first respect the sovereignty and national interests of member States. Also, they should include impartial professional action by the inspectors and the rest of the personnel of the IAEA secretariat, free from any pressure or interference that would undermine the Agency’s effectiveness and credibility. We call on the secretariat of the IAEA to continue working to promote a climate of trust, understanding and transparency, based on objectivity and truth. In that context, we reaffirm the need to respect the inalienable right of all States to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We confirm our support for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and for a solution negotiated by the actors involved. We also reiterate our support for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. The call for an international conference in 2012 to establish such a zone, approved at the eighth Review Conference of the Parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), is an important step in that direction. We urge Israel to adhere to the NPT without delays or conditions. Israel must put all of its nuclear installations under the broad safeguards of the IAEA. On the subject of nuclear fuel supplies, we stress that the issue must be addressed in an inclusive and transparent way that leads to consensus adoption of any decisions. Cuba rejects any attempt to use the supply of nuclear fuel as a means of political or economic coercion or as a mechanism to establish the monopoly of a few over the distribution of nuclear fuel. I would like to conclude by stressing the common responsibility that we all have to bequeath a safer world to future generations. That is why nuclear disarmament cannot continue to be a goal constantly postponed and subjected to conditions. Cuba will stand firm in the battle for a better world, free of nuclear arms.

At the outset, the Philippines would like to express its deep appreciation for the work done by Director General Yukiya Amano and the secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Philippines welcomes the report of the IAEA and recognizes the importance of the Agency. At the same time, the Philippines reaffirms its strong support for the Agency’s crucial role in assisting its member States in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the transfer of technology to developing countries and facilitating nuclear knowledge-sharing, as well as in nuclear safety, verification and security. Through its cooperation with the IAEA, the Philippines has been developing the necessary human resources and physical infrastructure for the utilization of nuclear technologies to help meet the challenges many of us face today, particularly in food security, environmental resource management and human health. The Philippines believes that science and technology can help us achieve our Millennium Development Goals and places great importance on the various applications of nuclear technology, especially in the area of food security, where Philippine cooperation with the IAEA in agriculture has a direct bearing on the Philippine Government’s programme to ensure affordable food for the tables of Filipino families. The Philippines and IAEA also have extensive links in other areas of technical cooperation. There has been much success in increasing industrial productivity, irradiation of food exports, providing access to clean drinking water and addressing environmental challenges. The Philippines and the IAEA also cooperate in the important field of cancer therapy, namely, the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy, or PACT. The Philippines is pleased that the Agency made that a priority activity, given the rise in the number of cancer patients, particularly in the developing world. My delegation believes that collaboration with the PACT will lead to enhanced cancer training capabilities in the region, in the context of the regional cancer training network. The Philippines urges member States to continue to support the Programme through additional contributions. The 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) underlined the important role of the IAEA in helping countries achieve their Millennium Development Goals through its technical cooperation programme and its various activities in nuclear power and non-power applications. Similarly, the Review Conference reaffirmed the role of the IAEA in safeguards verification, with a view to preventing the diversion of nuclear energy from peaceful uses, and in the promotion of nuclear safety and nuclear security. The Philippines subscribes to the report’s assessment that the use of nuclear energy will expand in the coming decades. It will be an overarching force that will create opportunities as well as challenges for member States and the IAEA. With that coming expansion, nuclear safety and nuclear security are therefore vital and should be given high priority. The Philippines had the distinct honour of presiding over the 2010 NPT Review Conference and looks forward to working with other delegations in moving forward and implementing the follow-on actions set out in the Final Document (see NPT/CONF.2010/50 (Vol. I)) related to the work of the Agency. The Philippines actively participated in the negotiation of the resolutions mentioned in the report and believes that they can provide sufficient direction to the activities that the Agency will carry out in the coming year. The resolutions reflect member States’ ongoing priorities with regard to the different aspects of the Agency’s work, taking into consideration current realities, particularly the limitations in resources vis-à- vis the growing demands of member States for technical assistance. However, the Philippines believes that the IAEA can contribute to addressing global concerns only if it pursues its activities in a balanced manner. We have consistently stressed the importance of addressing the long-standing concern of developing countries in achieving a balance between the Agency’s promotional role as outlined in article II of its Statute and its activities in nuclear safety, verification and security. The Philippines continues to recognize that the challenges and issues confronting the Agency are complicated by political realities. The member States of the Agency need to overcome their differences if we are to advance our common objectives. The Philippines, for its part, remains committed to working together in the spirit of mutual trust, respect, transparency and constructive dialogue.

Indonesia welcomes the progress that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has achieved so far in accelerating and enlarging the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity in the world. In that regard, we commend the able leadership of its Director General, Ambassador Yukiya Amano. We are confident that under the framework of its three pillars, the Agency will continue to play a key role as a catalyst for sustainable development by promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy while minimizing the risk of nuclear proliferation. The progress in the betterment of people’s lives due to the critical application of nuclear science and technology cannot be emphasized enough. We are pleased that the Director General has put more weight on the promotion of nuclear technology, particularly for cancer control. The role of the IAEA in addressing the world food crisis last year and its work in improving agricultural productivity and quality through scientific and technical means are also extremely vital. In our view, those important roles of the IAEA will strengthen its technical reputation, in contrast to the overwhelming perception that the Agency exists merely as a nuclear watchdog. In that regard, we stand ready to support the Director General’s approach. In the efforts of developing countries to utilize nuclear technology for the benefit of humanity, the Agency makes an indispensable contribution that should continue to be supported internationally. We underscore the utmost importance of the technical cooperation programme as a vital instrument for the transfer of nuclear science and technology, particularly to developing regions. In that respect the Agency’s technical cooperation should be made more robust and operational on its own merits, and should not in any way be politicized. We welcome the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative and laud all countries that have pledged their support to contribute to that effort. It is our hope that a significant portion of the funds for the Initiative will be used to finance the request-based technical cooperation projects. In that regard, Indonesia commends the fact that the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, in action 54, gave its clear support to the IAEA for making every effort and for taking practical steps to ensure that the Agency’s resources for technical cooperation activities are sufficient, assured and predictable (see NPT/CONF.2010/50 (Vol. I)). That decision provides a sound basis for the Agency to strengthen the planning, programming and implementation of its technical cooperation. Indonesia will again have the privilege of being a member of the IAEA Board of Governors next year. We intend to utilize that opportunity to further expand the Agency’s focus in facilitating the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the world, especially in developing countries. Since becoming an IAEA member in 1957, Indonesia has been steadfast in its commitment to the Agency’s technical cooperation. Indonesia itself has benefited significantly from IAEA cooperation in the areas of food, agriculture, health, water resources management and other peaceful uses of nuclear energy. While we look forward to enhancing our engagement with the IAEA, we hope for greater collaboration and support by the Agency in the application of nuclear science and technology in the region. As part of our commitment to nuclear safety, we continue to support the Asian Nuclear Safety Network (ANSN). In April 2010, Indonesia hosted the third Nuclear Safety Strategy Dialogue meeting of ANSN. At that meeting, the participant countries achieved mutual understanding on the utilization of human and information technology networks, among others, to continuously improve effective and sustainable nuclear security in the region. The IAEA report shows that the Agency has devoted its special attention to assisting Member States in meeting their energy needs, responding to concerns about climate change and helping them to ensure food security and access to clean water. Among those critical applications, the report demonstrates how health care can be improved through the use of nuclear techniques and accordingly save lives. In that context and as a reflection of our deep appreciation of such efforts by the Agency, Indonesia is pleased to join others in co-sponsoring the draft resolution regarding the work of the IAEA (A/65/L.10).

The Chinese delegation would like to thank the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Yukiya Amano, for his report on the work of the IAEA over the past year. We note with appreciation that the IAEA has done much work to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons. In carrying out its technical cooperation programme, the IAEA has actively assisted member States in developing nuclear energy and using it for peaceful purposes. It continues to improve the guideline documents in the field of nuclear security and safety and to assist member States in strengthening relevant capabilities. The IAEA has also made efforts to promote the universality of safeguards agreements and the additional protocol and has earnestly performed its safeguards function. We are glad to see that the role of the IAEA has been widely recognized and supported by member States. Over the past year, with the fast development of China’s nuclear energy, cooperation between the IAEA and China has been further enhanced. In the field of technical cooperation, the nuclear energy special programme has been steadily implemented. In June 2010, China signed the 2010- 2015 China Technical Cooperation Country Programme Framework with the IAEA, which lays out a solid blueprint for future cooperation. In the field of nuclear safety, by drawing on the standards and norms developed by the IAEA, China has put in place relevant legislation and a regulatory system that is in line with international practice. This year, at China’s invitation, for the first time the IAEA sent an Integrated Regulatory Review Service mission to China to review its nuclear safety regulatory framework. Also in the area of nuclear safety, China supports the essential role of the IAEA and has actively participated in the development of relevant guideline documents, which have been applied to its nuclear practices. China signed with the IAEA a Practical Cooperation Arrangement on nuclear security, which expands cooperation in such fields as the establishment of security legislation and standards, capacity-building and personnel training, as well as nuclear security for major public events. China will also cooperate with relevant countries to set up a centre of excellence for nuclear security in China. In the area of safeguards, China strictly fulfils its safeguards obligation, in accordance with the safeguards agreement and the additional protocol signed with the IAEA. China supports the Agency’s efforts to enhance its verification capacity and to promote the effectiveness and the universality of the international safeguards regime. China appreciates the great assistance provided by the IAEA on developing nuclear energy over the years and is willing to further enhance its cooperation with the Agency in all relevant fields. At the same time, China is ready to provide the necessary assistance to other countries through the IAEA by sharing the experience that it has accumulated in developing nuclear energy. With the rapid development of global nuclear energy, the IAEA’s role is becoming ever more important. It is our hope that with the support of all member States, the IAEA’s functions in all fields will be further strengthened and that it will focus its work on the following aspects. First, the Agency should strengthen technical cooperation and assistance so as to assist member States in benefiting from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. It should take into account the opinions of member States, especially those of developing countries, and take steps to meet their needs for technical assistance. Secondly, it should continue to foster the development of global nuclear safety and security legislation, regulation and a standards system, assist member States in enhancing their relevant capability, and strengthen the confidence of the public in developing nuclear energy. Thirdly, it should continue to play an active role in addressing sensitive hot-spot nuclear issues. Dialogue and negotiation are the only way towards a peaceful resolution of the Korean peninsular and Iranian nuclear issues. We hope that the IAEA and the Director General will make full use of their advantage and play a constructive role in restarting and promoting relevant dialogue and negotiation processes.

My delegation would like to thank Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for presenting the annual report on the work of the Agency. I also wish to thank the representative of Pakistan for introducing the draft resolution entitled “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency”, contained in document A/65/L.10, in Pakistan’s capacity as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the IAEA. Mongolia fully supports the report and is co- sponsoring the draft resolution. The IAEA today plays an important role in dealing simultaneously with freedom from fear and freedom from want. The Final Document of the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference (NPT/CONF.2010/50 (Vol. I)) and the consideration of disarmament issues in the First Committee vividly demonstrate the role that the Agency plays, and is expected to play, in promoting a peaceful and secure future for humankind. The report of the Agency and the outcome of its fifty-fourth General Conference, held in September in Vienna, show that the Agency is set to play an ever- increasing role in the economic and social development of the international community, especially in developing countries, in promoting the Millennium Development Goals. The renewed interest in nuclear energy places additional responsibilities on the Agency for strengthening nuclear security and the safest use of nuclear energy and its other applications. My delegation highly commends the efforts of the Agency in assisting developing countries through its technical cooperation programme in the areas of the peaceful uses and development of nuclear technology. I would like to express my Government’s gratitude to the Agency and its dedicated staff, especially its Department of Technical Cooperation and the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) Office for their contribution in promoting the Agency’s noble mission in that area. Like other countries, Mongolia attaches great importance to that programme, especially its efforts to promote early detection of cancer. This year, Mongolia has been designated as the eighth PACT Model Demonstration Site (PMDS) country. That allows it to combine the country’s resources with the expertise of the Agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners and stakeholders to combat the growing epidemic of cancer, which has become the second cause of mortality in my country. I would like, therefore, to take this opportunity to express my Government’s gratitude to the IAEA and its Director General for the support that they are providing in that important field. Mongolia is ready to continue to work and support the Agency’s efforts to assist developing countries in the field of human health, particularly in nuclear medicine and diagnostic radiology. A week ago, Director General Yukiya Amano paid a visit to Mongolia and we exchanged views on further developing Mongolia-IAEA cooperation. He also attended a workshop of the PMDS countries on issues related to primary measures to prevent cancers and the role of medical first services, organized by IAEA-PACT, the WHO and the Ministry of Health of Mongolia. The results of the workshop will make an important contribution to the exchange of experience and knowledge in that important area of fighting cancer. For Mongolia, like for many other agrarian countries, the agricultural sector is the major economic area that defines the welfare and prosperity of its people. Therefore, my delegation welcomes the joint Agency-Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations programmes to boost crop and livestock production, and to ensure food quality, safety and security, all of which represent the basic needs of any people. My delegation thus agrees that it is extremely important that the Agency continues to help Member States to reach the MDGs by improving agricultural productivity. As a member of the Agency, Mongolia is trying to play an important role in promoting the noble goals we share that are enshrined in its Statute. At present, Mongolia is serving on the Board of Governors and is working to contribute to its fruitful work. Mongolia also had the honour of chairing the fifty-fourth IAEA General Conference, which adopted many important resolutions and decisions in pursuit of the Agency’s near, mid-term and long-term objectives aimed at peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Mongolia’s active support for IAEA activities and their objectives.

Allow me, at the outset, to thank Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for introducing the report of the Agency (A/65/140) and his commendable efforts as Director General of the Agency. My delegation emphasizes the important role of the IAEA and its internationally sanctioned mandate to carry out a number of very important duties in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. These duties are based on the three pillars of nuclear supervision and verification, safety and technical cooperation. We commend the assistance that the Agency provides to developing nations in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and Libya aspires to more intense and effective cooperation in the future with the Agency in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, especially in the fields of medicine and desalination. The selective approach being imposed on the Agency’s resolutions and decisions by some of the major influential Powers has brought disappointment to many Member States. There has been more verification and supervision of certain specific countries and their activities, while a blind eye is turned to other countries. This is a flagrant injustice which erodes confidence in the credibility of the Agency and its work as well as of the intentions of some of the major Powers. In the Middle East region, we note that the Israeli entity has a large nuclear arsenal that threatens the peace and security of the region. Nonetheless, that entity remained outside IAEA supervision. The agency remains unable to take any effective position that would make the Israeli authorities also subject their nuclear facilities to IAEA supervision. That is basically due to the fact that Israel has not joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), something the international community must seek to achieve in every possible way. We believe that it is high time to implement the decision of the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, relative to the establishment of a nuclear- free zone in the Middle East. Regrettably, while the Agency ignores the known danger of the Israeli nuclear threat, it deploys greater efforts to pursue the peaceful nuclear activities of other States where, thus far, there is no evidence at all that those States seek to acquire nuclear weapons. In that context, Libya reiterates and emphasizes the right of all States to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to the development of its technology. We also call for the peaceful settlement of all disputes on nuclear programmes among the member States of the NPT to be negotiated in good faith and through consultations and dialogue. My delegation expresses its disappointment that the mandate of the Agency does not include the nuclear States that have large arsenals of nuclear weapons, weapons concerning which the entire international community is calling for their rapid and complete elimination, as stipulated in article VI of the NPT. It is thus urgent and important that the international community deploy all efforts possible to strengthen the role of the IAEA and to review its mandate, so that it will cover all countries, without exception or discrimination, in conformity with a strict and effective international approach that includes verification and supervision of the reduction by nuclear States of their nuclear weapons until they are totally eliminated. It must also include a balanced implementation of the pillars of the NPT, namely, non- proliferation, nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In conclusion, my delegation emphasizes the importance of the Agency’s technical assistance to States parties to the NPT. To that effect, we call on all States parties to expand their technical cooperation in order to support the Agency with all the resources possible, so that it can most effectively play its role in that respect, given its importance in helping developing nations to benefit from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in implementing development programmes. We appeal to advanced countries to facilitate the export of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes to developing nations, including to my country, aspiring to use it in the fields of medicine, agriculture, energy production and other fields, which is a right stipulated in the NPT.

The year 2010 marks an important milestone for the international nuclear non- proliferation regime. The consensus reached at the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the action plan for nuclear disarmament based on all three pillars of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) demonstrate the resolve of all States not only to uphold but also to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Ukraine has always been committed to effective multilateral action against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We believe that we made a valuable contribution to the success of the 2010 NPT Review Conference, chairing Main Committee II of the Conference, which dealt with non-proliferation issues. We are particularly glad that States managed in 2010 to secure an agreement on further steps to implement the 1995 NPT resolution on the Middle East (NPT/CONF.1995/32 (Part I), annex), including a conference on the topic to be convened in 2012. That is why it is of utmost importance to build upon the results of the 2010 NPT Review Conference and to avoid trends that might undermine the success achieved. Ukraine strictly fulfils its obligations under our safeguards agreement and the additional protocol. Since January 2006, a comprehensive safeguards agreement and additional protocol has been in force in Ukraine. We continue to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to establish the necessary conditions to start the implementation of IAEA integrated safeguards in Ukraine. Each country has the right to define its own energy strategy. We are convinced that human resources development, including education and training, is of vital importance for the safe, secure and peaceful use of atomic energy. It is well known that both the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management were developed, inter alia, as the result of lessons learned from the Chernobyl disaster and that both Conventions provide Governments with valuable instruments for streamlining national activities in order to achieve the highest safety levels. We consider that participation in such instruments provides strong incentives and is in the best interest of any country with or planning to have its own nuclear power programme. Ukraine calls upon States embarking on a nuclear power programme to become contracting parties to those Conventions without delay or hesitation. We are also of the view that the Agency’s comprehensive set of safety standards is fundamental for any nuclear programme and any nuclear technology application. We note with satisfaction the recent establishment of the International Nuclear Safety Centre as well as the International Seismic Safety Centre. In May this year, the IAEA presented the final report of the Joint European Community-IAEA- Ukraine project on the comprehensive safety assessment of all operating Ukrainian nuclear power plants. For the past two years, the Agency has conducted a number of missions to all 15 Ukrainian nuclear power reactors, covering issues of design safety, operational safety and waste safety. The legal and governmental infrastructure has been assessed via the full scope of the Integrated Regulatory Review Service mission as well. We are pleased to note the positive conclusions of that in-depth review and consider such missions to provide unprecedented and extremely valuable tools for many other countries striving to embark on the development of nuclear energy. We would like to encourage other countries both with mature and with emerging nuclear power programmes to consider conducting such missions and assessments. I would like to inform delegations that Ukraine participates in the work of the International Uranium Enrichment Centre in Angarsk (Russia), which is the first such type of joint enterprises and which may serve as an example for future activities in this field. Nuclear security is an essential programme of the Agency. Ukraine commends the IAEA for its activities aimed at assisting States in preventing and combating nuclear terrorism. On 12 April 2010, the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, and the President of the United States, Barack Obama, reaffirmed in a joint statement their shared vision of a world free of nuclear weapons, pledged to work together to prevent nuclear proliferation and to realize the goal of securing all vulnerable nuclear materials. President Yanukovych announced Ukraine’s decision to get rid of all stocks of highly enriched uranium by the next Nuclear Security Summit, and our partners will provide the necessary technical and financial assistance to support that effort. The activities related to the transportation of highly enriched uranium from Ukrainian research reactors have already begun. We intend to remove a substantial part of those stocks by the end of the year. The meaning of our voluntary step is crystal clear — Ukraine takes non-proliferation seriously. We expect that our example will serve as a pattern for others. Our decision is also a proof of our commitment to implementing Security Council resolution 1887 (2009). Ukraine welcomes the IAEA’s role in nuclear security competence development. We pay considerable attention to the issue at the national level, and this year, with the graduation of 48 nuclear security engineers from the Sevastopol National University of Nuclear Energy and Technology, we have reached one of the important milestones. We commend the Agency for its invaluable support to Ukraine in developing training and education facilities at Sevastopol National University for nuclear security purposes, and confirm our willingness to contribute to the implementation of the IAEA nuclear security education programme. Ukraine also appreciates the considerable activities of the Agency to strengthen nuclear security measures at major public events, particularly the support being provided to Ukraine and Poland in preparation for the 2012 Union of European Football Associations Championship. We recognize the importance of supporting research on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, especially safety, waste management, radiation protection, the safety and efficiency aspects of advanced technology, as well as the importance of enhancing international cooperation in these fields. Fundamental to these activities is the maintenance of competence and know-how across the nuclear sector. We view positively the increase in IAEA research activities concerning innovative reactor technologies and fuel cycles. Ukraine offers relevant expert services to the IAEA on a free-of-charge basis within the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles. Ukraine will continue further active cooperation with the IAEA on the development and implementation of regional programmes addressing the issues of non- power use of nuclear technologies, namely, medical applications, dosimetry and mitigation of the consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe. Ukraine has always been a strong supporter of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme, which constitutes an important statutory function of the Agency. Ukraine considers the implementation of the IAEA Programme to be the cornerstone of international cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. I take this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge the work done by the IAEA in planning and implementing technical cooperation programmes and activities, which reflect the needs of different countries and different regions. Addressing the global challenges of hunger, disease, poverty and water resource management and the creation of a cleaner and safer environment are of particular significance to developing countries. Ukraine values the efforts of the Agency in those areas. Regional and national technical cooperation projects have contributed significantly to the safety and effectiveness of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Ukraine. As of now, we can point to tangible and sustainable results of our cooperation, particularly regarding safety improvements at our nuclear power plants. We also highly appreciate the results already achieved in improving the quality and effectiveness of nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and medical physics. I would particularly like to mention the modern equipment and training for nuclear oncology and radiotherapy with which we have been provided. Human health will remain one of the priorities for our technical cooperation programme in future. I take this opportunity to draw the attention of delegations to an important event for Ukraine next year — the commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Chernobyl catastrophe. My country’s strategy to address the lingering after-effects of the Chernobyl catastrophe is aimed at fostering the region’s long-term development and providing people with the support they need to maintain safe and healthy lives. I would like to inform the Assembly of the initiative of the President of Ukraine, co-sponsored by Belarus and the Russian Federation, to convene an international conference under the theme “Twenty-five years after the Chernobyl accident: safety for the future” in April 2011 in Ukraine to mark progress towards the goal of returning to normal life and to address the issue of the safe uses of nuclear energy. We look forward to the broad participation of interested States and international institutions in the conference. Ukraine, with the support of the international community, is still restoring the Chernobyl site. As the major projects enter the construction phase, substantial sums — estimated at €750 million — will be required to complete them. International solidarity will be essential to raising the necessary funds. We count on the support of donors and States at the upcoming pledging event on that occasion to help us bring the Chernobyl projects to a successful conclusion. Finally, we would like to join other delegations in welcoming the IAEA report to the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly (see A/65/140) and in expressing high appreciation for the work of the IAEA Director General and the Agency.

The Singapore delegation would like to thank the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Yukiya Amano, for his comprehensive annual report (see A/65/140). We are pleased to co-sponsor the draft resolution (A/65/L.10) before the Assembly today. The IAEA has played an important role in promoting the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. Its verification activities and nuclear security programme are integral to the advancement of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We believe that the IAEA should remain the global focal point for nuclear cooperation, in line with its three pillars of science and technology, safety and security and safeguards and verification. There has been much movement on the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation agenda this past year. Amid the political commitments made, we must not forget the practical side of the equation, which is to ensure that these commitments are implemented. In this regard, the IAEA plays a vital role by monitoring whether progress is made, and Singapore thus welcomes the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The importance of the IAEA’s role is also growing more evident in the context of broader trends towards the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Asia- Pacific’s demand for energy, in particular, has increased with the region’s rapid economic development and can only become more pronounced. Thirty-four of the 55 nuclear power reactors currently under construction are located in Asia. Singapore supports the right of States to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as guaranteed under the NPТ. However, we also believe that this right must be balanced by the grave responsibility of careful consideration of safeguards issues and full compliance with non-proliferation obligations. In this regard, Singapore urges all States that have not done so to sign the comprehensive safeguards agreement and the Additional Protocol with the IAEA, so as to enhance global and nuclear security. States also have a responsibility to strengthen the non-proliferation regime and should demonstrate their seriousness about this by supporting the IAEA safeguards and verification regime. The efficacy of the IAEA ultimately depends on the participation and cooperation of member States. As we have said previously, we call on parties to the NPT to cooperate fully with the IAEA in order to allow a conclusive determination of the nature of their nuclear activities. We hope that full cooperation will be rendered to the IAEA in areas where it is lacking. Recognizing the importance of the IAEA’s work, Singapore ratified its Additional Protocol and the modified small quantities protocol in March 2008. In August, we were pleased to host an IAEA workshop on additional protocols and trade. In that month, we were honoured to receive Director General Amano in Singapore under the Singapore International Foundation’s Distinguished Visitors programme. Singapore hopes to continue contributing actively to the work of the IAEA as a member of the Board of Governors for the term 2010-2012. Several countries in our region have indicated that they either will be or are pursuing nuclear energy programmes. Singapore is also preparing a pre- feasibility study to explore whether nuclear power should be included as part of our energy mix. In this regard, we reiterate our support for greater regional cooperation to complement and strengthen international and national efforts in the area of nuclear safety and security. Within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), we have recognized the IAEA’s role and expertise in promoting nuclear safety and security. We also appreciate the IAEA’s participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, held in Singapore in July. Among other things, forum participants agreed that the objective of a multilateral fuel cycle was to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and that this was complementary to a global non-proliferation regime. As the issues of safety and security are important to all countries seeking nuclear power, Singapore will continue to work with all IAEA member States to strengthen international and regional standards, and to strengthen our own commitments. We have thus decided to join the IAEA’s Illicit Trafficking Database, and are now working towards acceding to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 amendment. We hope that all Member States will continue working towards establishing effective regulatory, administrative and legislative infrastructures as they explore the option of nuclear power for generating energy. In conclusion, Singapore continues to view the role of the IAEA as indispensable and relevant. In particular, as more countries explore the use of nuclear energy, we need to continue to support the Agency’s work on the three main pillars of safeguards and verification, safety and security, and science and technology. As Singapore continues its work on the IAEA Board of Governors in the two years ahead, we would like to reiterate our full support for the Agency’s role and work, and we look forward to working with IAEA member States to advance that work.

At the outset, I would like to convey my gratitude to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Yukiya Amano, for his introduction of the Agency’s report (see A/65/140). The Russian Federation greatly values the IAEA’s work to improve and strengthen the global non-proliferation regime and to ensure the broad and safe use of nuclear energy. The Agency is making a substantial contribution to resolving issues relating to reliable energy supplies, combating global climate change, and improving human health and well-being throughout the world. It is important that the IAEA pursue its involvement in the interests of broadening international cooperation in the area of peaceful uses of atomic energy. The future development of nuclear energy and its large-scale use for economic development ends requires the united efforts of interested States in achieving a systemic approach to resolving the complex issues connected with such activities. The IAEA must continue to dispose of all the resources and authority necessary to fulfilling its mandated activities. Russia has demonstrated and will continue to demonstrate full support for the Agency’s activities, as reaffirmed during the recent visit of the IAEA Director General to Moscow. Regarding the IAEA’s activities, we cannot fail to mention the unique nature of the Agency’s verification mechanism, which permits very effective monitoring of States’ implementation of their non-proliferation obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). We believe it important that the Agency’s monitoring capabilities continue to expand, including by ratifying the IAEA comprehensive safeguards agreement and its additional protocol as universally recognized standards of verification and implementation by States of their nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Russia participates actively as a financial donor in projects to strengthen the IAEA’s safeguards system, including the allocation of resources to implement national scientific and technical support programmes for the Agency’s safeguards activity. We fully endorse the Agency’s efforts in the area of technical cooperation and assistance to developing countries. We welcome its large-scale efforts to assist participating States in setting up and improving the physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities, which undoubtedly promotes strengthened physical nuclear security worldwide. We advocate the broadest possible participation of States in the relevant mechanisms. In the context of the large-scale development of atomic energy, the Russian Federation attaches great importance to the following issues: the development of a new architecture for peaceful nuclear cooperation, based on multilateral approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle; the guaranteed provision of nuclear fuel cycle- related services; and solutions to the problem of disposing of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. On the basis of these priorities, Russia proposed an initiative for developing a global atomic energy infrastructure and creating international nuclear fuel cycle service centres. We are pleased to note that our initiative has been taken up and proved to be a genuine contribution to resolving the issues of the provision of unbiased access for all NPT-participating States to the fruits and benefits of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, subject to the implementation in good faith of all non-proliferation commitments. It offers States an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nuclear energy and to meet their nuclear fuel needs without creating expensive and — from the proliferation perspective — insecure nuclear fuel cycle elements. Within the framework of this initiative, in 2007 Russia, together with the Republic of Kazakhstan, created the International Uranium Enrichment Centre through a publicly traded company, the Angarsk Electrolytic Chemical Combine. In 2008, the Centre received all the necessary authorization and licences to launch operations as a supplier of services and materials. Last year, the Centre was joined by Armenia, and this August by Ukraine. A breakthrough in establishing a new architecture for global nuclear cooperation was reached with the signing — pursuant to a November 2009 decision of the IAEA’s Board of Governors — of an agreement between Russia and the Agency on the creation on our territory of an assured bank of low-enriched uranium under the direction of the IAEA, aimed at helping States that encounter difficulties with nuclear fuel supplies for non-trade- related reasons. This project opens up the possibility of implementing similar initiatives in order to provide conditions favourable to meeting the lawful interests of States in developing atomic energy and simultaneously to end the duplication of sensitive nuclear technologies all over the world. I would like to emphasize that the principles for the creation of safeguarded supplies are based on article IX of the IAEA’s Statute. The rights of Agency member States, including those relating to the development of their own production capacities in the nuclear fuel cycle area, are neither infringed nor restricted. Gaining the right to receive low-enriched uranium from the assured supply does not mean having to renounce the right to creating and developing one’s own fuel cycle. The material can be supplied to any non-nuclear State member of the IAEA that is in compliance with its safeguards agreement and has placed its global nuclear activity under IAEA safeguards. One example of international cooperation successfully implemented under the aegis of the Agency is the implementation of the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles, initiated by Russia. We support the efforts of the Agency secretariat to finance the Project from its regular budget and urge all participating States to finance it directly from assessed contributions. The Russian Federation has decided to contribute 23 million roubles per annum for the years 2008-2012 for the long-term financing of the project. Regarding regional proliferation challenges, we welcome the practical contribution of the IAEA to finding multilateral solutions. We pay tribute to the Agency’s efforts to implement safeguards agreements in Iran and Syria and to use its expert capacities to guarantee the sustainable operation of the nuclear non- proliferation regime. The Russian Federation sees no alternative to a political and diplomatic settlement with regard to the Iranian nuclear programme. We hope for more active cooperation between Iran and the Agency and for the full implementation by Tehran of Security Council and IAEA Governing Board requirements. We urge Iran to respond constructively to the proposal to resume negotiations with the 5+1 group, and hope that such negotiations will begin soon. I should like to reaffirm our support for draft resolution A/65/L.10 on the report of the IAEA. As a sponsor of the draft resolution, Russia fully shares the evaluation of the importance of the Agency’s work and is convinced that it will continue to strengthen international security and work towards solving the issue of reliable energy supply.

At the outset, I should like to thank the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Yukiya Amano, for presenting the annual report of the IAEA (see A/65/140). This year, the international community has embarked on a new stage of critical importance to the realization of a world without nuclear weapons. In May, the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) agreed on an action plan, which was incorporated into the Final Document adopted at the Conference. This agreement presented us all with an opportunity to restart nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts based on the spirit of cooperative multilateralism. Japan believes that all the States members of the IAEA should now make combined efforts to steadily implement the action plan, in concert with the Agency. Japan is determined to be at the forefront of the efforts of the international community aimed at attaining a world without nuclear weapons. To that end, Japan co-hosted, with Australia, a foreign ministers’ meeting on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation here in New York in September to discuss concrete and practical measures to reduce nuclear risks in the world as an interim milestone in our endeavours to realize our common goal. The States that participated share this purpose, and Japan, in cooperation with those countries, intends to lead international efforts in this regard. Japan welcomed the visit of Director General Amano to Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August, and regards it as a highly important step forward that will contribute to the growing momentum being built towards a world without nuclear weapons. We are greatly looking forward to his follow-up efforts. He indicated in a symposium in Nagasaki that the Agency will be able to contribute to nuclear disarmament in the implementation stage. As a member of the Board of Governors since the foundation of the Agency, Japan has worked jointly with the Agency to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, thus making a significant contribution to the Agency’s activities. Japan will make further use of the knowledge and experience that it has acquired in the civilian uses of nuclear energy and in strengthening and improving the efficiency of the safeguards system, with a view to assisting developing countries through the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme. The IAEA has been playing an essential role in the social and economic development of the world by applying nuclear science and technology. Japan highly appreciates this role of the Agency. In June, the Government of Japan made a cabinet decision on “The new growth strategy: blueprint for revitalizing Japan”. As one of the main pillars of this strategy, Japan will actively promote green innovation — that is, innovation in the environment and energy sectors to create a low-carbon society in Japan. Japan is convinced that nuclear energy is key to attaining stable supply, environmental compatibility and economic efficiency at the same time, and thus to fuelling innovation. The Nuclear Security Summit was held successfully in April. Japan greatly welcomes this achievement and is now preparing for the establishment of an integrated support centre for nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security, to follow up on its announcement at the Summit. Through the activities of the centre, Japan, in cooperation with the Agency, will contribute to meeting needs, such as those in human resource development, for strengthening nuclear security, especially in Asian countries. Japan firmly believes that technical cooperation should continue to be one of the core missions of the IAEA. Japan, taking advantage of its own long history and achievements in the application of radiation technology — such as medical applications, including cancer therapy — attaches importance to technical cooperation activities. Many States members of the Agency have significant needs, and Japan will continue to make technical and personnel contributions in these areas. However, the worrisome reality is that there is a shortage of human resources to support the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. While attaching importance to the Agency’s efforts for the development of such human resources, Japan will contribute to those efforts, more mindful of the utilization of its own experts in the Agency. Needless to say, strengthening and improving the efficiency of IAEA safeguards is especially vital to the enhancement of the non-proliferation regime. Japan believes that the most realistic and effective way to strengthen the IAEA safeguards is the universalization of the additional protocol that more than 100 States have concluded with the Agency. In concert with the Agency and its member States, Japan will further contribute to the universalization of the additional protocol through such activities as hosting the Asian Senior-level Talks on Non-Proliferation and making contributions to the IAEA’s seminars. The North Korean nuclear question continues to pose a grave threat to the peace and security of East Asia and to the international community as a whole, as well as a serious challenge to the NPT regime. Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, it is urgent and indispensable that Iran allay the concerns and gain the confidence of the international community. Japan will continue to act, including by steadily implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions, with a view to settling these nuclear issues in concert with the international community. Today, the IAEA is expected to fully carry out its core missions under its Statute, while facing a great number of important challenges vis-à-vis the national security of each country and the human security of each living person. As I stated earlier, Japan will make further contributions to the Agency’s activities by drawing on its knowledge and experience with regard to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, with full international confidence with regard to non-proliferation. On this occasion, Japan calls upon all States members of the Agency to give the highest priority to maximizing common interest and addressing challenges through constructive cooperation.

Kazakhstan wishes to congratulate Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on his very comprehensive and forward-looking report (see A/65/140). We fully endorse his vision to change the general image of the Agency from that of simply the world’s nuclear watchdog, with verification and security functions, to that of an entity focusing on nuclear energy, nuclear applications and technical cooperation. As a member of the IAEA, Kazakhstan is proud of its record of collaboration with the Agency and will continue to work to strengthen it through our own nuclear energy, non-proliferation and disarmament policies, and also by promoting those policies at the regional and global levels. My country is a major producer of uranium ore and has the fuel fabrication capability to further expand its involvement in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy within the framework of IAEA safeguards and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Kazakhstan collaborates with the Russian Federation in making its uranium available for enrichment at the International Uranium Enrichment Centre in Angarsk, Siberia, for use as nuclear fuel in power reactors. Currently, we are also working on the Kurchatov Nuclear Technologies Park, under the surveillance of the IAEA. My delegation has been following with great interest the initiative of the IAEA to develop a new framework for utilizing nuclear energy based on multilateral approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle in order to reduce the further spread of sensitive nuclear fuel cycle technologies. We endorse the Agency’s criteria that any mechanism devised should be non- political, non-discriminatory and available to all safeguards-complying member States, so that no State should be required to give up its rights under the NPT. This proposal may seem difficult to realize today, but nonetheless initial efforts can be made in that direction. Kazakhstan has offered to host an IAEA nuclear fuel bank for the use of those unable to acquire supplies of nuclear fuel on the market. We hope that there will be a positive unified decision in the near future, considering that the country has voluntarily renounced its nuclear weapons. Our national atomic energy company, Kazatomprom, is in the process of creating a vertically integrated establishment with a complete nuclear fuel cycle, in accordance with IAEA standards. Together with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan has established a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia, which came into force in August 2009. The zone is an additional contribution to our efforts towards a world free of nuclear weapons and thus is an important regional confidence-building and security measure. We have not only signed but strictly abide by the IAEA safeguards agreements and additional protocol in an open and transparent manner. Kazakhstan supports the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East as a solution for peace in the region, and has therefore endorsed the recommendation of the May 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT that a conference be convened in 2012. We will work collaboratively with other member States towards its successful outcome. Kazakhstan also works rigorously to meet international standards regarding the security of nuclear facilities so as to reduce the risk of nuclear terrorism and the smuggling of nuclear weapons or nuclear and radioactive materials in the region. It also gives very high priority to addressing the environmental concerns that are unique to Central Asia due to the fact all of the region’s five States have hosted nuclear weapons infrastructure and now confront common ecological problems related to radiation. We consistently implement the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, as well as Security Council resolution 1540 (2004), in order to strengthen measures to combat the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other materials. As a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Zangger Committee, Kazakhstan maintains the strictest control over its equipment and installations that enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel. Kazakhstan conscientiously implements the recommendations of the Nuclear Security Summit held in April in Washington, D.C., and will fully cooperate in the next security summit in Seoul in 2012. This year, my country ratified and acceded to four major nuclear security conventions and is reviewing a draft law to accede to the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage. We are decommissioning the BN-350 nuclear reactor and, with the support of the United States Department of Energy, implementing a project to convert the second research reactor to produce radio isotopes from low-enriched uranium. My country welcomes the proposal to strengthen the infrastructure of the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre as the global focal point for international preparedness and response to nuclear and radiological safety or security- related incidents. In view of the growing importance of nuclear energy, Kazakhstan has an agreement with the IAEA on technical cooperation for the years 2010-2015 to develop nuclear energy for nuclear education, medicine and agriculture, research reactor safety, nuclear technology, and radioisotope and radiation applications. We welcome the Agency’s nuclear research in health care, nutrition, food security and the environment, as well as in resource management for collective global human security. An issue of great importance to us is that Kazakhstan, though a stalwart and responsible member of the IAEA, is being denied the opportunity to participate in the work of elective bodies due to the existing rules of procedure. In fully supporting the early entry into force of the amendments to article VI of the IAEA Statute, Kazakhstan is confident that a solution will be found so that we may participate fully in its activities. Kazakhstan is among the sponsors of draft resolution A/65/L.10, “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency”, regularly contributes to the IAEA budget, makes voluntary contribution to the Technical Cooperation Fund and stands ready to fulfil its financial obligations. As members are aware, my country closed down the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, the second largest in the world, on 29 August 1991. On the initiative of my country, the General Assembly declared 29 August as the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, which is observed in countries around the world, creating awareness of the need for a world free of nuclear weapons. We share the prevailing view that the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is essential to the effective functioning of the NPT. In this context, my delegation thanks the Agency for its participation in our many activities. To conclude, we extend our full support to the Director General in addressing all aspects of the Agency’s mandate in a balanced manner in order to respond to the varying needs and interests of member States, and look forward to another cycle of productive collaboration to address the global issues of nuclear technology.

I should like at the outset to convey my gratitude to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for his annual report to the General Assembly (see A/65/140), which includes programmes and plans developed by the Agency to promote the transfer of technology for peaceful purposes, uphold the global nuclear safety and security regime and ensure the safety and security of nuclear power facilities. It also outlines the greater role that the Agency continues to play in the field of cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and development. We take this opportunity to commend the efforts of Mr. ElBaradei and to wish every success to his successor, Mr. Amano. The Sudan attaches great importance to the report’s reference to the application of nuclear technology in enhancing food security, combating insect pests and effectively managing water resources, as well as to technologies for new irrigation systems and large-scale agricultural projects. That is why the increasing cooperation of the Agency with UNICEF in the educational and agricultural fields, as well as with the World Health Organization, is clearly of special importance. Assistance to developing States in developing their national technologies complements the Agency’s efforts in the implementation of technical cooperation plans and projects. We hope that cooperation will be developed within the framework of the Agency’s health programmes, including the revitalization of and support for regional and continental projects to combat malaria and similar deadly diseases in Africa, and to enable the continent to achieve social and economic development, including the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the internationally agreed development agenda. The delegation of the Sudan reiterates the right of all States, including my own, to develop programmes and research and generate nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in line with international standards and terms of reference. My delegation reiterates the need for all countries to refrain from exerting pressure on the Agency and from interfering in its activities in order to protect its vital role and credibility. We therefore call for more justice and equity in resolving the Agency’s problems vis-à-vis certain countries through dialogue and negotiation. The delegation of the Sudan wishes to reiterate its firm position of support for the aspirations of all geographical regions to nuclear-weapon-free zones pursuant to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), one of the basic pillars of the international peace and security architecture. We are concerned that the Middle East is still far from achieving this objective. It has struggled to do so for decades because Israel, the only nuclear State in the region, refuses to submit its nuclear programmes to the IAEA safeguards regime and continues to ignore the repeated appeals of the international community in this regard. Israel’s commitment to implementing the NPT and its Additional Protocol is crucial to reducing tension in the region and would blaze a trail towards achieving regional security and international peace. My delegation enthusiastically hopes that the IAEA will maintain its support for the right of developing countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy under the Agency’s full supervision. We are convinced that nuclear energy production for peaceful purposes will achieve great results for development, given the cost and scarcity of other means of generating power. The high costs of alternative energy sources push developing countries to seek cheaper and more efficient means. We believe that the enhanced cooperation and assistance of developed States to developing States in this field and through alternative energy sources would mitigate the dangers of resort to nuclear energy. In our view, it is logical that the Agency should prompt the developed States to cooperate with the developing countries in this field. My delegation therefore welcomes the efforts of the IAEA and all developed States to strengthen cooperation with African States in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the fields of health and medicine, along with the use of alternative energy that would contribute to the achievement of the MDGs.

The United States supports the adoption of the draft resolution (A/65/L.10) on the report (see A/65/140) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As we have done in the past, we have co-sponsored the draft resolution to emphasize our strong support for the Agency and its invaluable role in accelerating and enlarging the contributions of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. To that end, we look forward to continuing to work with member States to ensure that the IAEA has the necessary resources to address the growing array of challenges it faces and to respond to the increasing number of requests for support that it receives from member States. In addition, the United States strongly commends the IAEA’s technical excellence and impartiality in the conduct of its statutory treaty and advisory duties to member States. We thank Director General Amano for his excellent report to the General Assembly and express appreciation for the important initiatives he has undertaken in his first year at the helm of the IAEA. The United States looks forward to continuing to work with the Agency’s secretariat and Member States to advance the IAEA’s work across its three pillars.

We thank Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for his participation in this debate and the presentation of the IAEA’s annual report (see A/65/140). Our country supports the work of the IAEA as a specialized agency in verification, technical cooperation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy and in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It also appreciates the cooperation between the IAEA and its States members. We welcome the introduction of the draft resolution entitled “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency”, contained in document A/65/L.10, by Ambassador Raza Bashir Tarar of Pakistan on behalf of the Chair of the Board of Governors of the IAEA. The outcome of the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Energy held in Beijing in April stated that nuclear energy will increasingly contribute to humankind’s future sustainable development. Nuclear technology can limit the impact of human diseases and contribute to animal health and pest control. When applied to agriculture and food, nuclear technology can rid humankind of the adverse effects of climate change and help with food security at the regional and global levels. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has benefited from the technical and financial cooperation provided by the IAEA through various projects developed in our country in recent years. Among these projects I would highlight the strengthening of the national regulatory infrastructure for controlling radioactive sources; the strengthening of the national preparedness and response system for radiological emergencies; the strengthening of the national regulatory infrastructure for the safe management of radioactive waste in Latin American States; and the strengthening and upgrading of technical capacities to protect the health and safety of workers exposed to ionizing radiation. In the framework of the close cooperation between the IAEA and the Venezuelan Government, in March 2009 the former Director General of the Agency, Mr. Mohamed ElBaradei visited our country for the first time. On that occasion, he held important meetings with various Government ministers and the President of the National Assembly. He also paid a visit to the Luis Razetti Hospital, which specializes in the treatment of cancer. We take this opportunity to reiterate our appreciation for the work done by Mr. ElBaradei as Director General of the IAEA. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was elected as a member of the IAEA Board of Governors for 2009-2010. In this framework, we support the sovereign right of all States to work for the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and verification. Nuclear energy development represents a rational alternative to the growing demand for electricity in Venezuela. Our country depends on hydroelectric power from the Guri Dam to produce 70 per cent of this energy. Natural and climatic factors affect reservoirs and can cause serious electricity crises, as happened recently. Furthermore, the development of nuclear energy in Venezuela will allow our country to progress towards full energy sovereignty. It would minimize dependence on hydroelectric power and fossil fuels in parallel with the need to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. In this context, on 15 October the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela signed a cooperation agreement with the Russian Federation to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in Venezuelan territory. The agreement provides for cooperation in the development of a nuclear power programme and the construction and operation of a research reactor to produce radioisotopes for peaceful uses in medicine and industry, as well as a nuclear power plant. The cooperation between Venezuela and Russia is conducted pursuant to the laws of the States parties and to international agreements to which both States are parties, in compliance with the principles of universally accepted international law and recommendations of the IAEA. The agreement signed between Russia and Venezuela is an expression of the sovereign right of countries to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and to optimize its advantages as future sources of alternative energy. The completion of this bilateral cooperation agreement is governed by the highest principles guiding Venezuela’s international politics, namely, independence, equality among States, self-determination and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. Based on the pacifist tradition of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, our Constitution establishes our duty as Venezuelans to promote peaceful cooperation among nations and to promote nuclear disarmament. Venezuela supports the sovereign right of all States to develop nuclear industry for peaceful purposes, in accordance with the provisions of articles I, II and IV of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Thus, Venezuela rejects any attempt to nullify the nature and scope of these provisions through actions that violate the integrity of the NPT. Venezuela recognizes that the International Atomic Energy Agency is the sole competent authority for verification, which must be based exclusively on technical and objective considerations. We continue to note with concern that a group of countries has pursued its efforts to pressure the Islamic Republic of Iran to relinquish its legitimate right to develop peaceful uses of nuclear industry, seek technological independence and diversify its energy sources. Such pressure should cease in order to open the way to a negotiated political solution to this impasse, which must take into account the interests of both the Islamic Republic of Iran and of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The treatment of this matter in other forums that are unfamiliar with the technical nature of the IAEA safeguards system has resulted in the use of biased, discriminatory and subjective criteria that could affect the authority and credibility of the Agency. My country is concerned that inappropriate practices that violate the principle of the legal equality of States are becoming entrenched. It is therefore necessary to promote measures to build confidence and address these issues in a fair and balanced manner. Venezuela regrets that the State of Israel is the only country in the Middle East that has not acceded to the NPT or indicated its intention to do so. Israel must accede to the Treaty without further delay and submit its nuclear facilities to the IAEA safeguards regime. My country hopes to see the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. The conference to be held in 2012 will be a valuable opportunity to achieve results in this regard. The International Atomic Energy Agency has a fundamental role to play.

At the outset, my delegation would like to express its appreciation to Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for his first annual report (see A/65/140) and statement on the Agency’s activities and achievements over the past year. We highly commend the Director General for having adeptly guided the Agency in its range of extensive activities since assuming office. We fully support draft resolution A/65/L.10, and would like to take this opportunity to address several issues pertaining to the report. We commend the Agency for its professionalism and impartiality in promoting the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology. This is a vital task whose success will lead to the realization of the IAEA’s overarching objective: the accelerated and enlarged contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. However, the ever-increasing demand for the expanded use of nuclear energy poses considerable challenges to the Agency. Today more than ever, we need credible assurances that all nuclear materials are used solely and entirely for peaceful purposes. We are of the view that the IAEA is the sole competent authority to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear materials and the absence of undeclared nuclear activities and facilities. It follows, then, that the IAEA should be equipped with the appropriate authority as well as resources to sustain the capacity needed for this purpose. In this context, we strongly support the universalization of the comprehensive safeguards agreement and its additional protocol. Together, these instruments now constitute the contemporary standards for ensuring confidence in States parties’ compliance with their obligations arising from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). My delegation urges those States parties that have not yet done so to conclude and bring into force the comprehensive safeguards agreement and its additional protocol without delay. We would also like to draw attention to the growing importance of the ratification of the revised small quantities protocol by relevant States, in particular those introducing nuclear power. The IAEA has a unique role to carry out in supporting member States’ efforts to establish comprehensive national nuclear security regimes through capacity-building, human resource development and other forms of assistance. The Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington, D.C., in April reaffirmed the essential role of the IAEA and mobilized support for the Agency’s continued efforts to have at its disposal the appropriate structures, resources and expertise to carry out its mandated activities. My delegation believes that global nuclear security will greatly benefit from international cooperation and that the IAEA, with its technical expertise, can make a significant contribution to strengthening the international security framework. The Republic of Korea, as announced on several occasions, will host the plenary meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and the next Nuclear Security Summit in 2012. My Government will consult closely with the IAEA and other member States with a view to achieving productive outcomes that contribute to international efforts in this field. The nuclear renaissance cannot be sustainable without a high standard of nuclear safety performance and the proper application of safety standards at all steps of the fuel cycle. We welcome the Agency’s assistance to countries embarking on or expanding their existing nuclear power programmes in developing appropriate infrastructure, facilitating human capacity- building and strengthening relevant regulatory systems. We also hope that the Agency will continue to assist member States in improving their national radiation, transport and waste safety infrastructure and capacity- building. In order to continue promoting nuclear safety learning and cooperation on a global and regional basis, the Republic of Korea, in cooperation with the Agency, is offering overseas training and graduate courses in specific fields, such as site selection, design, construction and operation through the International Nuclear Safety School of the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety. My delegation would like to emphasize that the peaceful resolution of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea nuclear issue is vital not only to securing lasting peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula and in North-East Asia, but also to preserving the integrity of the international non-proliferation regime. We welcome the adoption of a resolution on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at the IAEA General Conference in September, as well as the fact that the IAEA is continuing to engage in the matter despite the absence of Agency inspectors in Yongbyon, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The 2009 annual report underlined once again that the Agency has been unable to implement safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea since December 2002 and is therefore not in a position to draw any safeguards conclusions regarding the country. However, the absence of IAEA inspectors does not mean that there is nothing for the Agency to do there. On this point, we welcome the emphasis repeatedly placed by Director General Amano on the authority of Security Council resolutions regarding the implementation of the Agency’s safeguards agreement with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Although the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is currently refusing to cooperate with the IAEA, my delegation hopes that the Agency will be able to resume an active role in the process of denuclearizing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea has consistently held the position that all States that have not yet ratified or acceded to the NPT should immediately do so as non-nuclear-weapon States in order to achieve the Treaty’s universality. The Republic of Korea is committed to the NPT’s goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and supports international efforts to bring about progress in the establishment of a nuclear- weapon-free zone in the Middle East. We therefore welcome the reaffirmation at the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT of the importance of the 1995 Middle East resolution and the agreement to convene a conference in 2012 to discuss its implementation. We hope to find the best way to sustain momentum towards the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East by building upon the outcome of the 2010 NPT Review Conference. It is our firm belief that the IAEA, bolstered by a spirit of confidence and compromise, will play a facilitating role in the process of establishing the Middle East as a zone free of nuclear weapons. In conclusion, my delegation would like to reiterate its support for the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency and that it is pleased to co-sponsor draft resolution A/65/L.10 on the report of the IAEA.

Norway is pleased to co-sponsor the draft resolution (A/65/L.10) on the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (see A/65/140). My Government attaches great importance to the IAEA. Besides being a key guardian of our collective non-proliferation regime, the IAEA is an important partner in promoting social and economic development while ensuring the safety and security of peaceful nuclear programmes. Through its extensive technical cooperation programme, the Agency is providing assistance to developing countries in promoting health, food security and environmental monitoring. As such, the Agency plays an important role in contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament are closely linked. We cannot achieve the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons, as set out by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), unless there is confidence in the integrity of the non-proliferation regime. The Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT (NPT/CONF.2010/50 (Vol. I)) contains clear commitments on both disarmament and non-proliferation. It is vital that we provide the Agency with the legal tools necessary to implement its non-proliferation mandate. Norway therefore reiterates its call for the universalization of the IAEA comprehensive safeguards agreements and the additional protocol. It is only through the full implementation of these two instruments that the Agency will be able to conclude that nuclear activity in any given country is for peaceful purposes only. Norway also urges all countries with outstanding proliferation issues to cooperate fully with the Agency in resolving these matters and in demonstrating the entirely peaceful nature of their nuclear programmes. The NPT Review Conference also underlined the importance of international cooperation with regard to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. It should be noted that the majority of countries around the world, including Norway, do not produce electricity from nuclear power plants. But we recognize that, as the demand for energy increases, more countries may come to identify nuclear energy as an attractive option. The role of the IAEA would then become even more critical in the years to come. Norway has made substantial voluntary contributions in support of the IAEA’s work in strengthening nuclear safety and security in developing countries, and to the establishment of a nuclear fuel bank. It is imperative that we, the member States, provide sufficient and predictable funding so that the Agency can fulfil its important mandate. Equally important is that the international community should demonstrate full political support to the IAEA. My delegation expects that the draft resolution before us today will be adopted by consensus.

Let me begin by thanking Ambassador Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for the report (see A/65/140) he presented on the work of the Agency. My delegation would also like to express its support for the draft resolution (A/65/L.10) on the IAEA’s annual report. Ethiopia strongly believes that the work of the IAEA for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology is a paramount contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. We acknowledge that the Agency’s growing role in promoting the socio-economic development of member States through its technical cooperation is bringing tangible progress to our efforts to reduce poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In this regard, my delegation would like to commend the activities of the IAEA in assisting member States in the peaceful use of nuclear energy through the development of effective and efficient programmes aimed at improving scientific, technological and regulatory capabilities. It is obvious that the IAEA’s programme has helped many countries meet energy needs, improve health, combat poverty, protect the environment, develop agricultural sectors, manage water resources and optimize industrial processes. Hence, there is sufficient reason to believe that all these have contributed considerable support to our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. My country is one of the States benefiting from the IAEA’s activities under the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme. Our major project with the Agency is aimed at eradicating the tsetse fly from the Southern Rift Valley regions of Ethiopia with an integrated pest management approach. The project is currently being implemented within the framework of the Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign initiative, with the support of the African Development Bank together with the Ethiopian Government. It is worth mentioning that the technical cooperation between Ethiopia and the Agency in the area of human health has also resulted in the establishment of a modest national infrastructure for the application of nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Our technical cooperation with the IAEA to apply isotope techniques in managing our water resources is also well under way. I would, however, like to call upon the Agency to continue its efforts, particularly to support Ethiopia and other developing countries in combating cancer through sustainable cancer therapy programmes by implementing more integrated national and regional programmes. My delegation is also most appreciative to the IAEA for dedicating this year’s Scientific Forum to the theme “Cancer in developing countries: Facing the challenge”. We consider the Forum to be an important medium in consolidating the global effort to address the ever-growing problem of cancer. It is also our firm belief that the forum will come up with relevant outcomes that will enhance the efforts of the IAEA and its member States in addressing this health hazard. We firmly believe that we must assure the Agency’s programmes of sufficient and predictable resources and, more importantly, a balanced distribution of those resources to the Agency’s activities relating to safeguards, nuclear safety and technical cooperation. Ethiopia is also of the view that the Technical Cooperation Programme is playing a crucial role in transferring nuclear technology to developing countries. As a representative of one of the founding members of the Agency, I would like to reaffirm Ethiopia’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology by respecting global and regional instruments that are designed to control radioactive and other nuclear materials by promoting the peaceful use of nuclear applications. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate our profound appreciation to the IAEA, particularly its Board of Governors, for its dedication to strengthening essential technical cooperation activities between the Agency and my country. Ethiopia will continue to do its level best to enhance this positive spirit of cooperation with the Agency, as well as with all the development partners that have so far made generous contributions to our development endeavours in this domain.

Today, the General Assembly was briefed by Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency on the Agency’s main activities for the year 2009. His informative report (see A/65/140) indicates that the Agency is developing its activities in many areas of nuclear technology in the interests of the human community. The IAEA was established with the basic purpose of accelerating and enhancing the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and development throughout the world. The Agency has therefore a real responsibility, now more than ever before, to assist member States in using nuclear energy effectively and efficiently for peaceful purposes. Nuclear energy today has found an important place in everyday human life. Today, atomic energy is widely used in agriculture, industry and medicine, in particular cancer treatment. The use of atomic energy and its advanced applications, especially in the field of renewable sources of energy, has increased on a broad scale. Despite the global economic crisis in 2009, as reported by the Agency, both energy demand and interest in nuclear power continue to grow. The increasing construction and operation of nuclear reactors in electricity production around the globe indicate that more and more States are pursuing nuclear energy as a component of their energy mix in the new century. The new global trend towards decreasing the use of fossil fuel and the encouragement of States to adopt clean-air policies are yet added incentives for the further development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The essential role of the Agency in the development of activities to enhance the capacity of member States to use nuclear energy is also acknowledged by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which in its article IV imposes an obligation on States parties to facilitate the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and technological information for peaceful purposes. Furthermore, States parties are urged to enhance their cooperation in developing nuclear energy without discrimination or restriction. Unfortunately, the level of cooperation with developing nations on the part of the countries that are the main suppliers of nuclear high technology has yet to be promising. Indeed, nuclear cooperation between the suppliers and recipients has always been marked by restriction, hindrance and disruption. Furthermore, it is an unfortunate fact that being a party to the NPT and the IAEA safeguards agreement not only has not facilitated the nuclear cooperation between States parties prescribed under the Treaty, but has even served to create impediments to the peaceful uses of energy. It is even true that non-parties are more richly rewarded with nuclear cooperation than are States parties. The recent trend of bypassing NPT obligations, particularly by the Nuclear Suppliers Group when it cooperates with non-NPT parties, which could lead to more proliferation, is a dangerous development. In the case of Israeli clandestine nuclear activities, which are completely outside any IAEA monitoring, nuclear exchanges and transfers of advanced nuclear materials, equipment and technology, facilitated by the United States and its partners, have contributed and continue to contribute to the proliferation activities of that regime, which is endangering global and regional peace and security. If anything, failure to accept the NPT and safeguard obligations should burden outsiders to the NPT with the most severe restrictions, rather than provide them with impunity. The 189 States parties to the NPT at the 2010 Review Conference, aware of the threat posed by Israel’s secret nuclear activities, recalled the reaffirmation by the 2000 NPT Review Conference of the importance of Israel’s accession to the Treaty and the placement of all its nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards and called on that regime, the only non-party to the NPT in the Middle East, to accede to the Treaty as a non-nuclear-weapon party at an early date. What has been done by the IAEA on this important issue? The answer is disappointing. In addition, the 2010 NPT Review Conference adopted by consensus conclusions and recommendations for follow-up actions, some of which relate directly to the Agency’s activities. In this context, I would like to recall that the Conference called for continued efforts within the IAEA to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of its Technical Cooperation Programme; to strengthen the Programme’s capacity to assist developing States parties in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy; and to take practical steps to ensure that IAEA resources for technical cooperation activities are sufficient, assured and predictable. In today’s presentation by the Agency, we expected to hear the Agency’s future plans on such important issues. One of the neglected tasks of the IAEA involves its involvement in the nuclear disarmament process. The IAEA Statute stipulates that the Agency should conduct its activities “furthering the establishment of safeguarded worldwide disarmament”. The 2010 NPT Review Conference adopted, however insufficiently, certain actions in this regard. For instance, the Conference resolved that the nuclear-weapon States would commit to declaring to the IAEA all fissile material designated by each of them as no longer required for military purposes; to placing such material as soon as practicable under IAEA or other relevant international verification; to arranging for the disposition of such material for peaceful purposes; and to ensuring that such material remains permanently outside military programmes. In this context, all States were encouraged by the Conference to support the development of appropriate legally binding verification arrangements within the context of the IAEA in order to ensure the irreversible removal of fissile material designated by each nuclear- weapon State as no longer required for military purposes. The Conference also called for the wider application of safeguards to peaceful nuclear facilities in the nuclear-weapon States. The question now is: What is the Agency’s plan in this important area? It is obvious that the Agency needs to be more active in that regard. In conclusion, since reference was made to Iran’s peaceful programme, I would like to point out the following. While all of the IAEA reports repeatedly confirm that the Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran, it seems that the Agency’s recent reports have been prepared under pressure from outside, using unusual language with regard to the safeguards obligations. The Agency has to basically confirm that it has already verified non-diversion of the declared nuclear material; that all declared nuclear material is accounted for and continues to be used for peaceful purposes, as already reported by the Agency’s inspectors; and that that has always been the case over the past several years. Reporting so much technical detail about Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities proves that the Agency has full access to all nuclear material and facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including through frequent inspections through the Agency’s containment and surveillance efforts. Therefore, claiming that Iran has not provided the necessary cooperation is incorrect and misleading. It has to be noted that additional requests are beyond the provisions of the NPT comprehensive safeguards and that they have been made under the pretext of illegal resolutions of the Security Council. As a last point, I should reiterate that the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran are determined to exercise their inalienable right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and to build on their own scientific advances in developing various peaceful aspects of this technology, including the fuel cycle. Iran is steadfast in its commitment to its obligations under the NPT and does not request anything more than being allowed to exercise its inalienable rights. In the meantime, we have always declared our readiness for talks based on justice and mutual respect. Just recently, Iran welcomed the return of the 5+1 group to the talks. In a reply letter from the Head of the Office of the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the willingness of the 5+1 group to return to the talks with Iran was acknowledged and appreciated. In that letter, the desire to resume talks on the basis of Mr. Jalili’s letter to Ms. Ashton, dated 6 July 2010, from 10 November 2010 on and in a place and on a date convenient to both sides, was reiterated. We are waiting to see the other parties demonstrate their goodwill and real intention to engage in meaningful and successful talks.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/65/L.10. Before giving the floor to the speaker in explanation of vote before the voting, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

The delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would like to explain its position on draft resolution A/65/L.10, entitled “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency”. The report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (see A/65/140) and IAEA General Conference resolution GC(54)/RES/12 of September 2010 show that the IAEA persists in its unfair attitude towards the nuclear issue of the Korean peninsula. As already clarified in so many cases and on so many occasions, the nuclear issue of the Korean peninsula is the direct outcome of the hostile nuclear threat policies of the United States against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. For the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the nuclear threat goes beyond abstract notions to practical experiences. The nuclear issue was created by the introduction of nuclear weapons into the Korean peninsula by the United States in the late 1950s. Its nuclear threat against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea lasted for more than a half century. As everybody knows well, no conventional weapon represents a deterrence to any kind of nuclear threat from a third party. The nuclear threat from the United States has, in a word, resulted in the creation of our nuclear deterrence. In order to revive the process of the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, what is most important is to build confidence between both sides — the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States, which are the main parties to the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula. Confidence-building between both sides — the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States — is urgent as it has become the master key to addressing the present issue. To this end, first of all, a peace treaty aimed at putting an end to the state of ceasefire between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States should be concluded, if possible, as soon as possible. The conclusion of a peace treaty is the best way to realize the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. If durable peace mechanisms had been set up earlier on the Korean peninsula, neither the nuclear nor the denuclearization issue would have arisen. The conclusion of peace treaties will certainly help to ease the present confrontations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States and accelerate the process of the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. As long as the IAEA continues either to take measures or to adopt resolutions that take up the issues from only one side, while unfairly turning its face from the real nature of the issues, it will never resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula. Proceeding from this point of view, the delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea strongly opposes resolution GC(54)/RES/12 concerning the nuclear issue of the Korea peninsula, adopted at the General Conference of the IAEA on 24 September. With regard to the argument of Japan and South Korea concerning the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula, the delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea totally rejects in strong terms their allegations because they are entirely based on their intentional misunderstanding and neglect of the root cause of the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula.

We have heard the only speaker in explanation of vote before the vote. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/65/L.10. I should like to announce that, since the introduction of the draft resolution, Georgia and the Republic of Zambia have become sponsors. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/65/L.10?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 87? It was so decided. Programme of work The Acting President (spoke in French): Before adjourning the meeting, I would like to inform Member States that consideration of agenda item 69, entitled “Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance”, and its sub-items (a) to (d), which was scheduled for Monday, 15 November 2010, has been postponed to a later date to be announced. Also, the specific meeting focused on development, under agenda item 115, entitled “Follow- up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit”, which was scheduled to take place on Monday, 22 November 2010, has been postponed to a date in the resumed session, to be announced.