Developing countries need N-tech for development: S Africa

South Africa has underlined the need for global nuclear disarmament, even as it said that developing countries should not be denied access to advanced technology "needed for their development".  

"We should be vigilant that in advancing the peaceful applications of nuclear energy this is not based on the premise of denying developing countries access to advanced technologies needed for their own development," said Abdul Minty, country's Governor to the Board of the IAEA.  

Minty contested for the position of Director General of the the IAEA as South Africa's candidate. The IAEA Board of Governors selected Yukio Amano of Japan as the Agency's next Director-General, who succeeds Mohamed ElBaradei.  

 

Minti described the IAEA was the most valuable asset in promoting nuclear disarmament.  

"We have in the past experienced the role the Agency played in relation to issues that impacted on the peaceful resolution of disputes. As we enter a new chapter in the existence of the IAEA, it is of critical importance that the Agency and its Director General maintain their impartial and courageous voices.  

"Mohamed ElBaradei has led the Agency with great dignity, dedication and professionalism. We need to maintain the Agency's independence and integrity and build upon the high standard set by Dr ElBaradei," he said.

Minty said South Africa stood ready to work with Ambassador Amano, and with all Member States of the IAEA and the Secretariat to meet the future challenges and opportunities the Agency was facing.  

"Our future objective is to assist in fostering a co-operative spirit and to focus on that unites us, namely, creating a better life for all free from the threat of the use of nuclear weapons," he said.  

In this regard, I assure you of South Africa's full support and co-operation during your tenure as Director General, as there is a collective responsibility to preserve the Agency's impartiality and integrity and to further enhance its contribution to human well being, he added.