IAEA Moves to Tighten Nuclear SQP Oversight
September 30, 2005
Specifically, the board-approved modifications include requirements that states provide initial reports to the IAEA inspectorate on all their nuclear material and early design information for any planned nuclear facilities. Requirements also would reinstate the IAEA's right to conduct inspections in SQP states. The previous SQP standard text allowed states to possess small amounts of nuclear material without having to report those holdings to the IAEA. Presently, 76 states have SQPs in force with the IAEA; 12 other states have signed SQPs, IAEA noted. Moreover, 42 states with SQPs also have signed additional protocols with the IAEA. Additional protocols provide for expanded access to information and locations beyond that allowed under comprehensive safeguards agreements. The IAEA has been reviewing SQPs for some time. In June 2005, the IAEA endorsed the view that SQPs constitute a weakness of the safeguards system and considered strengthening options. In early September, the agency conducted a seminar for member states to provide detailed answers to relevant technical, legal and financial questions associated with those options. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei commended the board's action, calling the decision timely and necessary. "It redresses some important limitations and will serve to reinforce the nuclear safeguards system." As a next step, the IAEA will be contacting SQP states on the necessary changes to texts of the protocols. Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). |