(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The UAE has affirmed that it has taken significant steps to develop its nuclear power programme following the highest safety standards in accordance with international best practices and guidelines laid down by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"My delegation would like to reiterate the UAE's commitment to working with the IAEA towards the strengthening of nuclear safety, security and safeguards worldwide, while promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy," said Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, the UAE's Permanent Representative to the IAEA, in the UAE statement at the 57th session of the IAEA's general conference in Vienna on Wednesday.
The UAE started constructing its first nuclear reactor in July 2012 following a detailed evaluation of the design. The evaluation took into consideration the lessons learned from the nuclear accident in Japan's Fukushima Daiichi, which highlighted the need to strengthen nuclear safety worldwide. "The UAE is the first country to start the construction of its first nuclear power plant in 27 years," Al Kaabi said. "The national nuclear energy programme is progressing well, with the start of construction of the second unit in May."
The official said despite challenges, nuclear energy continues to play a significant role in the global energy sector.
The UAE is an active state party in the review process of the Convention of Nuclear Safety (CNS) and efforts to strengthen its implementation.
Al Kaabi said countries with nuclear facilities that have not joined the CNS should do so at an early date.
While welcoming efforts to facilitate the early implementation of comprehensive safeguards on all nuclear activities in the Middle East, he said the UAE was deeply disappointed by the lack of progress in establishing a nuclear weapon-free zone in the region.
It was also disappointed by the failure to convene a conference in۬2012 on establishing a Weapons of Mass Destruction-free zone in the Middle East.
"The UAE is of the view that nuclear energy can be pursued only through a responsible and transparent approach," he said, adding that the IAEA safeguards system should be capable of ascertaining that nuclear materials and facilities are being used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
"This endeavour has become a true challenge with regards to verification during the last decade," he said. "We believe that this challenge should be addressed in all honesty, to provide full assurance in relation to not only the declared activities but also potentially non-declared ones, in the long term."
He also said the UAE has a long-standing position that all countries should fully implement their safeguards obligations and other relevant international obligations.
In September 2012, the UAE signed an Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan with the IAEA. This October, it will host the IAEA International Conference on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources in Abu Dhabi.
It has participated in the Nuclear Security Summits in Washington and Seoul, the IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security in Vienna and in other international initiatives aimed to strengthen the international cooperation framework in nuclear security.
Al Kaabi said the UAE is extending nuclear security measures and framework at the national level as well. It signed an Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan with the IAEA during the last general conference.
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