IAEA grants peace by peaceful use of nuclear technology

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) contributes to the international peace by verifying that nuclear material remains in peaceful uses, its acting head said on Monday.

"We contribute to international peace and security by verifying that nuclear material remains in peaceful uses, and we help to improve the well-being and prosperity of the people of the world through the peaceful use of nuclear technology," Acting Director General Cornel Feruta told 63rd Regular Session of IAEA General Conference in Vienna.

"No other international organization offers the range of services related to nuclear science and technology that the IAEA does," he added.

The IAEA serves as the global platform for cooperation in safety and security, helping countries to keep nuclear and radioactive material and technologies safe, and out of the hands of terrorists and other criminals, said Feruta.

He added that the agency implements safeguards for 182 states.

- Importance of 'full, timely' cooperation by Iran

Feruta said he visited last week capital Tehran for talks with senior Iranian officials to discuss the 2015 nuclear deal and implementation of safeguards in Iran.

He emphasized the importance of "full and timely" cooperation by Iran in the implementation of its safeguards agreement and additional protocol.

"The Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of nuclear material declared by Iran under its Safeguards Agreement. Evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran continue," he added.

The Iran nuclear accord, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed in 2015 between Iran and Russia, China, France, the U.K. and the U.S. plus Germany.

Iran now insists that Europe must provide it additional economic support if they want to save the deal, after U.S. withdrew in May 2018 and slammed sanctions on Tehran.

- North Korea's nuclear activities 'serious concern'

Feruta said it is more than 10 years since IAEA inspectors were required to leave the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

He added the Agency continues to monitor the DPRK’s nuclear program, including through satellite imagery.

"The DPRK’s nuclear activities remain a cause for serious concern. The continuation of that program is a clear violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and is deeply regrettable," he said.

Feruta said the IAEA remains ready to play an essential role in verifying North Korea's nuclear program if a political agreement is reached among countries concerned.

"I call upon the DPRK to comply fully with its obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions, to cooperate promptly with the Agency and to resolve all outstanding issues," he said.