The people of the Middle East are more concerned than others about the threat of nuclear weapons and feel the need to make progress on nuclear disarmament. A basic step in this direction is to create a nuclear-free zone and compel Israel to implement relevant international resolutions and join the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Qatar reaffirmed before the annual conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA), currently underway in Vienna.
Qatar’s Ambassador to Austria and permanent representative to the United Nations and international organisations in Vienna, Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, made the remarks as he addressed the conference.
The ambassador urged the IAEA to overcome the obstacles hindering progress towards creating a nuclear-free zone. The peaceful uses of nuclear power are major stimulators in achieving development, bringing people together and building a safer society, he added.
Qatar pays special attention to developing its institutions that are concerned with the peaceful implementations of nuclear power, especially in the fields of foodstuff, agriculture, human health and environment, the ambassador said adding the country is steadily progressing according to a long-term plan that was included in Qatar’s development programme (Qatar National Vision 2030).
Doha is also working on preparing an environment for maximising the benefit from the different peaceful implementations, including the preparation of qualified personnel, the ambassador said.
He expressed gratitude for the co-operation and expertise that IAEA had offered Qatar in terms of executing projects and added the country was looking to expand and enhancing this co-operation in future so as to accelerate the pace of Doha’s development programmes and educational progress.
The ambassador also praised the central role of IAEA in consolidating international co-operation and its plans for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear power, nuke safety and security, and the safety of nuclear waste.
Nuclear safety and security was no longer an issue only for countries that have nuclear power plants or those planning such facilities but rather a matter of concern for the entire human society, and this called for enhancing international, regional and local legal frameworks, increasing transparency, sharing information and building trust in these activities, the ambassador said.
He pointed to the growing threat of cybersecurity crimes on the safety and security of nuclear power plants and the need to enhance IAEA efforts to boost cybersecurity.
The ambassador also congratulated IAEA director general Yukiya Amano on his re-election, commending his professional, independent and wise management of the agency and his consistent efforts to boost the agency’s role in using nuke power for peace, economic and social development, employing the highest degrees of safety and security at nuclear power plants, and facing the threat of nuclear power proliferation.

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