Plenary

STATEMENT BY MR TEO EIK RUEY, DELEGATE TO THE 65th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 87, REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, PLENARY, 8 NOVEMBER 2010

Mr President,

The Singapore delegation would like to thank the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr Yukiya Amano, for his comprehensive annual report. The IAEA has played an important role in promoting the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. We believe that the IAEA should remain the global focal point for nuclear cooperation, in line with its three pillars of science and technology, safety and security, and safeguards and verification.

2 There has been much movement on the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation agenda this past year. Amid the political commitments made, we must not forget the practical side of the equation, which is to ensure that these commitments are implemented. In this regard, the IAEA plays a vital role by monitoring whether progress is made and Singapore thus welcomes the outcome of the Final Document of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) 2010 Review Conference.

3 The importance of the IAEA's role is also growing more evident in the context of broader trends towards the peaceful uses of nuclear energy (PUNE). The Asia-Pacific's demand for energy, in particular, has increased with the region's rapid economic development and can only become more pronounced. 34 of the 55 nuclear power reactors currently under construction are located in Asia. Singapore supports the right of States to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as guaranteed under the NPT. However, we also believe that this right must be balanced by the grave responsibility of careful consideration of safeguards issues and full compliance with non-proliferation obligations. In this regard, Singapore urges all states which have not done so to sign Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and the Additional Protocol with the IAEA

4 Moreover, states have a responsibility to strengthen the non-proliferation regime and should demonstrate their seriousness to do so by supporting the IAEA safeguards and verification regime. The efficacy of the IAEA ultimately depends on the participation and cooperation of Member States. As Singapore has said previously, we call on members of the NPT to cooperate fully with the IAEA to allow a conclusive determination of the nature of their nuclear activities. We hope that full cooperation will be rendered to the IAEA in such areas where it is lacking.

Mr President,

5 Recognising the importance of the IAEA's work, Singapore has ratified the IAEA Additional Protocol and Modified Small Quantities Protocol in March 2008. In August 2010, we were pleased to host an IAEA Workshop on Additional Protocol & Trade. In that same month, we were honoured to receive Director-General Amano in Singapore under Singapore's International Organisations Distinguished Visitors Program. Singapore hopes to continue making active contributions to the work of the IAEA as a member of the Board of Governors for the term 2010 - 2012.

6 Several countries in our region have either indicated or are pursuing nuclear energy programs. Likewise, Singapore is preparing its pre-feasibility study to explore whether nuclear power should be included as a part of our energy mix. In this regard, Singapore reiterates its support for greater regional cooperation to complement and strengthen international and national efforts in the area of nuclear safety and security. Within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), we have recognised the IAEA's role and expertise in promoting nuclear safety and security. We also appreciate the IAEA's participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, held in Singapore in July 2010, where among other things, participants agreed that the objective of a multilateral fuel cycle was to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and that this was complementary to a global non-proliferation regime.

Mr President,

7 As the issues of safety and security are important for all countries seeking nuclear power, Singapore will continue to work with all IAEA Member States to strengthen international and regional standards, and to strengthen our own commitments. We have hence decided to join the IAEA's Illicit Trafficking Database, and are now working towards acceding to the IAEA's Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its 2005 Amendment. We hope that all Member States will continue to work towards establishing effective regulatory, administrative and legislative infrastructures as they explore the option of nuclear power for generating energy.

8 In conclusion, Singapore continues to view the role of the IAEA as indispensable and relevant. In particular, as more countries explore the use of nuclear energy, we need to continue to support the Agency's work in the 3 main pillars of safeguards and verification, safety and security, and science and technology. As Singapore continues its work on the IAEA Board of Governors in the two years ahead, we would like to reiterate our full support for the role and the work of the Agency and we look forward to working together with IAEA Member States to advance the work of the Agency.

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