IAEA work is important for improving int'l nuclear safety

The work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is of great importance in improving international nuclear safety and restoring confidence of the international community in nuclear power development, a Chinese UN envoy said here Monday. The IAEA has achieved fruitful results in various fields of work over the past year, said Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, at the 67th session of the UN General Assembly on reviewing the annual report of the IAEA. In the field of nuclear safety, in particular, the IAEA has taken a series of measures to ensure the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Nuclear Safety Action Plan, he said. "Chine believes that the efforts made by the IAEA are of great importance for restoring confidence of the international community in nuclear power development, improving international nuclear safety and emergency response, and safeguarding the safe and sustainable development of global nuclear energy," Wang said. Wang noted that China always adheres to the principle of " safety first" in the course of nuclear energy development. "We have established a comprehensive legal and standards system and supervision framework on nuclear safety, and will continue to improve them." "We have strengthened management of nuclear safety and emergency response, stepped up efforts in personnel training and technology research and development, and kept a good track record in nuclear safety," Wang said. "To further enhance nuclear safety, China has supported and taken an active part in relevant international and regional exchanges and cooperation, and worked vigorously to introduce and apply advanced nuclear power technologies." The Chinese ambassador also made suggestions on improving the work of the IAEA in the face of new situation, including further promoting the implementation of the Action Plan on Nuclear Safety and the international exchange and cooperation in nuclear safety; improving the standards and guiding documents in nuclear security and assisting member states in upgrading their national nuclear security system, and strengthening safeguards regime and effectively preventing nuclear proliferation. Wang also said the IAEA should maintain an objective and impartial stand on sensitive and hot nuclear issues and play a constructive role in peacefully resolving these issues through dialogue and cooperation.