Statement by Ambassador KAIFU Atsushi at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting starting on Wednesday, 22 November 2023 Item 6: Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine
2023/11/23
Thank you, Chair,
Japan thanks the Director General and the Secretariat for preparing the report on this agenda item.
Japan remains deeply concerned about the nuclear safety and security situation at all nuclear facilities in Ukraine, in particular at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). As the Director General reported, the situation “at the ZNPP continues to be difficult and challenging, with six out of the Seven Pillars compromised either fully or partially.”
Japan also expresses concern regarding issues of the availability of sufficient and qualified staff essential for safe operation, the absence of regular maintenance activities and the necessity of special measures for providing cooling water as well as the stressful and challenging situation for the Ukrainian operating staff. These issues threaten the nuclear safety and security at the site.
Japan supports the continued physical presence of the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) which monitors and reports on observance of the five concrete principles while continuing to monitor and assess the situation against the Seven Pillars. Unlimited and prompt information as well as unrestricted and timely access should be provided to ISAMZ in order not to affect the Agency’s assessment.
Japan expresses its grave concern that the Russian Federation has not heeded the call of the Board of Governor’s three resolutions and the most recent General Conference resolution.
Japan once again condemns in the strongest terms, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a serious violation of international law, including the United Nations (UN) Charter. Russia must withdraw all forces and equipment from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine including the ZNPP immediately and unconditionally and the plant should be immediately returned to the full control of the Ukrainian authorities.
Chair,
Japan reiterates its deep and heartfelt appreciation to Director General Grossi, the Agency staff at all nuclear sites in Ukraine, and all other staff who are making dedicated efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, as well as proper safeguards activities, during this very difficult situation. The IAEA’s presence at all of Ukraine’s nuclear sites is essential in acquiring impartial, first-hand observations about the situation of the nuclear facilities in Ukraine.
Japan also commends the IAEA for continuing to implement safeguards in Ukraine, including in-field verification activities, in accordance with Ukraine’s CSA (Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement) and AP (Additional Protocol). As the Director General has once again reported, the IAEA has not found any indication that would give rise to a proliferation concern.
Japan firmly supports the IAEA’s efforts related to Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, including the continued presence of Agency staff at the five nuclear sites in Ukraine and delivery of equipment, as well as Medical Assistance for Operating Staff at NPPs and other Assistance Missions. Japan has provided approximately 12 million euros in total towards the IAEA's work related to Ukraine and we will continue our support.
We ask the Director General to regularly update the Board on the situation in Ukraine, so that Member States, including Japan, can continue to support the IAEA’s efforts relevant to Ukraine.
I thank you, Chair.
Japan thanks the Director General and the Secretariat for preparing the report on this agenda item.
Japan remains deeply concerned about the nuclear safety and security situation at all nuclear facilities in Ukraine, in particular at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). As the Director General reported, the situation “at the ZNPP continues to be difficult and challenging, with six out of the Seven Pillars compromised either fully or partially.”
Japan also expresses concern regarding issues of the availability of sufficient and qualified staff essential for safe operation, the absence of regular maintenance activities and the necessity of special measures for providing cooling water as well as the stressful and challenging situation for the Ukrainian operating staff. These issues threaten the nuclear safety and security at the site.
Japan supports the continued physical presence of the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) which monitors and reports on observance of the five concrete principles while continuing to monitor and assess the situation against the Seven Pillars. Unlimited and prompt information as well as unrestricted and timely access should be provided to ISAMZ in order not to affect the Agency’s assessment.
Japan expresses its grave concern that the Russian Federation has not heeded the call of the Board of Governor’s three resolutions and the most recent General Conference resolution.
Japan once again condemns in the strongest terms, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a serious violation of international law, including the United Nations (UN) Charter. Russia must withdraw all forces and equipment from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine including the ZNPP immediately and unconditionally and the plant should be immediately returned to the full control of the Ukrainian authorities.
Chair,
Japan reiterates its deep and heartfelt appreciation to Director General Grossi, the Agency staff at all nuclear sites in Ukraine, and all other staff who are making dedicated efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, as well as proper safeguards activities, during this very difficult situation. The IAEA’s presence at all of Ukraine’s nuclear sites is essential in acquiring impartial, first-hand observations about the situation of the nuclear facilities in Ukraine.
Japan also commends the IAEA for continuing to implement safeguards in Ukraine, including in-field verification activities, in accordance with Ukraine’s CSA (Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement) and AP (Additional Protocol). As the Director General has once again reported, the IAEA has not found any indication that would give rise to a proliferation concern.
Japan firmly supports the IAEA’s efforts related to Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, including the continued presence of Agency staff at the five nuclear sites in Ukraine and delivery of equipment, as well as Medical Assistance for Operating Staff at NPPs and other Assistance Missions. Japan has provided approximately 12 million euros in total towards the IAEA's work related to Ukraine and we will continue our support.
We ask the Director General to regularly update the Board on the situation in Ukraine, so that Member States, including Japan, can continue to support the IAEA’s efforts relevant to Ukraine.
I thank you, Chair.