UAE | Government
UAE signs deal with IAEA on nuclear safeguards
The UAE and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday signed an Additional Protocol to the safeguards agreement between the Agency and the UAE Government, establishing a procedure for inspections of nuclear facilities and operations.
- WAM
- Published: 23:08 April 8, 2009
Vienna: The UAE and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday signed an Additional Protocol to the safeguards agreement between the Agency and the UAE Government, establishing a procedure for inspections of nuclear facilities and operations.
The deal further strengthens the nation's commitment to non-proliferation as it evaluates a potential civil nuclear energy programme.
The agreement was signed in Vienna by Ambassador Hamad Al Ka'abi, UAE's Permanent Representative to the IAEA and Special Representative for International Nuclear Cooperation, and Dr Mohammad Al Baradei, IAEA Director General.
"This is an important step for the United Arab Emirates, and another demonstration of our nation's commitment to complete operational transparency and the highest standards of non-proliferation," Ambassador Al Ka'abi said.
The IAEA describes the safeguards systems as "a confidence-building measure, an early warning mechanism", in its work to ensure that nuclear programmes are not used for nuclear weapons purposes.
Among other measures, the Additional Protocol establishes a procedure for snap inspections of nuclear facilities, and provides guidelines for allowing inspectors access to facilities and information.
The obligations that stem from the Additional Protocol and other international instruments will be taken into account in the upcoming nuclear law and regulations in the UAE.
Following the UAE's acceptance of the model Additional Protocol text developed by the IAEA, the UAE submitted a request for approval in February to the IAEA's Board of Governors.
Last month the Board approved the text and authorised the Director General to sign it with the UAE.
The nation's commitment to non-proliferation is detailed in the Policy of the United Arab Emirates on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy, a document released in April 2008.
More from UAE Government
More from UAE
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Last minute ID rush is on
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Car seats for children: Unsafe at any speed
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
