LD ELBARADEI 2

LD ELBARADEI 2

Expressing concern over the increase in the number of
nations possessing nuclear weapons, ElBaradei said he was
"gratified" that nuclear disarmament has now moved back to the
top of the international agenda.

"Russia and the US are negotiating significant cuts in
their nuclear arsenals. There is increasing global recognition
that nuclear weapons are a threat to us all and growing
momentum for their complete abolition," he said.

The IAEA chief asserted that every country had the right
to develop nuclear power but said such nations have to ensure
that nuclear material is not diverted from peaceful to
military purposes.

"Every country has the right to add nuclear power to its
energy mix, as well as a duty to do it responsibly.

"That means adhering to the highest safety and security
standards and ensuring that nuclear material is not diverted
from peaceful to military purposes," he said.

ElBaradei noted that most of the 30 countries already
using nuclear energy had plans to expand their output and many
countries – mostly in the developing world – have informed the
IAEA about their interest in harnessing atomic power.

"Growth targets have been raised significantly here in
India, as well as in China and in the Russian Federation. Asia
remains the focus of growth in nuclear power because of this
region's robust economic growth," he said. (MORE) PTI SKU
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