2010-09-21 07:17

VIENNA - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) needs to enhance its role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, non-proliferation and fostering nuclear security, a senior Chinese official said here Monday.

Global revitalization of nuclear energy has brought more opportunities for the IAEA to play an even larger role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology, said Chen Qiufa, head of the Chinese delegation to the IAEA's 54th General Conference opened in Vienna.

Chen, also director general of the China Atomic Energy Authority, told the conference that the IAEA should continue to strengthen technical cooperation for sustainable development of nuclear energy, and give heed to opinions of developing countries.

On the issue of nuclear safety, Chen said the IAEA should continue to push forward the development of global nuclear safety and security legislation and standard system, to strengthen transfer of knowledge and exchange of experience, popularize and promote nuclear culture so as to increase public confidence in nuclear energy development.

With increasing work load of nuclear verification activities, the agency should build its own technical capability while fully cooperating with member states and using their resources to achieve nuclear safeguards targets, he added.

Chen pointed out that the IAEA should play an active role in addressing sensitive and hot-spot nuclear issues.

He said China always holds that the nuclear conundrum on the Korean Peninsula and in Iran should be resolved through dialogues and negotiations.

China also supported the IAEA and its director general to continue to play their due role to push forward the diplomatic settlement of these issues.