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ElBaradei delivers introductory statement to Board of Governors (PART I)

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Vienna, Nov 24, IRNA
Iran-Statement-Board of Governors
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei in the Board of Governors meeting on Thursday declared that the agenda for the meeting is focused on the report of the Technical Assistance and Cooperation Committee (TACC) and the issues related to nuclear verification.

According to director general's introductory statement to Board of Governors, the TACC recommended that the Board approve a number of modifications to the agency's proposed technical cooperation (TC) program for 2006.

TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM
"The focus of TC program management continues to be the achievement of meaningful and sustained benefits to recipient member states, in line with national needs and priorities.

"Following a year-long change initiative to enhance TC structures and processes, we are moving towards what we hope will be a period of stability marked by the efficient delivery of a high quality program.

"I welcome the decision of the committee to recommend that the board synchronize the regular program and TC program cycles. I believe this recommendation is consistent with the `one-house' approach to programs and to management that I have been promoting.

"It will help with coordination among departments in planning, formulating and assessing the performance of our programs.

"It will ensure that all our program activities reflect member states priorities, and as such, will help to improve our impact, effectiveness and efficiency. I recommend that the board accept the committee's proposal."
VERIFICATION OF NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION
Status of Comprehensive Safeguards, Agreements and Additional Protocols
"The agency's role as an independent, objective verification body remains central to the effectiveness of the nuclear
non-proliferation regime. However, as you are aware, the extent of the agency's authority remains uneven from country to country.

"On the whole, 2005 has been a good year in terms of status concluding comprehensive safeguards agreements and additional protocols. However, it is important that we continue and accelerate this trend.

"Since the board's last meeting, the safeguards agreement for Niger has entered into force and additional protocols have been signed with Belarus and Malaysia."
Implementation of Safeguards in the DPRK
"As I have noted before, the agency has not performed any verification activities in the 'Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) since December 2002. Therefore, we cannot provide any assurance about DPRK's nuclear activities since that time.

"We continue to follow with interest in the six-party talks, which aim to achieve a comprehensive settlement on the Korean Peninsula.

"I hope that these efforts will, inter alia, lead to the return of th DPRK to the non-proliferation regime, and that the agency will be given the authority required to provide credible,
comprehensive assurances regarding the nuclear program in the DPRK.

"The Secretariat and I stand ready to contribute to that process."
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