The International Atomic Energy Agency (EIA) warned on Tuesday of the risks of proliferation from the nuclear-powered submarine program launched by the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
“In the long term, the agency (AEIA) must ensure that there is no risk of proliferation with this project,” said UN agency director-general Rafael Grossi. by means of a statement.
“The legal obligations of the parties involved and non-proliferation issues are paramount,” he added.
general manager @rafaelmgrossi“s statement regarding #AUKUS announcement https://t.co/VE44Pg1P9B pic.twitter.com/PMjeSOApMi
– IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) March 14, 2023
To take on the People’s Republic of China in the Pacific, Washington, London and Canberra launched an alliance known as AUKUS, which was formalized on Monday.
The alliance was announced 18 months ago and sparked outrage in France as the Paris government eventually lost submarine sales contracts to the Australian state.
The new AUKUS alliance is also considering collaborating on the construction of a new generation of nuclear submarines, following the planned purchase of several aircraft by the Canberra government.
The new strategy is considered “dangerous” by the Beijing government.
Under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the United States and the United Kingdom, which possess nuclear weapons, must inform the IAEA “of international transfers in the field of nuclear energy” to states that do not have the same capabilities as Australia.
So the The Canberra government must enter into a “special agreement” with the IAEA for the use of nuclear equipment and materials, including nuclear-powered submarines, Grossi stressed.
“This process raises serious and complex legal issues,” said the director of the IAEA, which guarantees oversight and verification “in defense of non-proliferation”, impartially and with full “transparency”.
In this sense, the first contacts between Australia and Grossi will be reflected in a report to be presented at the next IAEA meeting in June.
Source: DN
