IAEA to Convene 56th General Conference

RIA Novosti

05:56 17/09/2012 VIENNA, September 17 (RIA Novosti) - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will convene its General Conference on September 17-21, the UN nuclear watchdog said on its website.

The conference will consider the IAEA’S program and activities as well as approve its budget for next year.

“High-level governmental representatives from the IAEA's 155 Member States, including several at the ministerial level, will be on hand to consider and discuss a range of topics on the peaceful development of nuclear technologies,” the watchdog said.

The agency said the topics will in particular focus on developing the IAEA's programs relating to nuclear, radiation, and waste safety; nuclear security, nuclear science, technology and applications, technical cooperation.

The participants are also expected to discuss ways to improve the safeguards system's efficiency.

The provisional agenda also includes implementation of the safeguards agreements with North Korea and Middle East countries.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano will deliver a statement to the Conference during the opening session on Monday, highlighting the international organization’s major developments, the IAEA said.