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Pakistan calls for steps to meet N-energy demand

* Delegate says IAEA should ensure equitable access to nuclear materials, technology and equipment for peaceful purposes

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan on Tuesday called for evolving a universal and non-discriminatory criterion that would ensure every state’s right to peaceful nuclear energy use to meet the growing worldwide energy demand.

“In this regard, principles should be placed above expediency and commercial interests,” Raza Bashir Tarar, the Pakistani delegate to the United Nations General Assembly said on Monday, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.

“A non-discriminatory approach in promotion of civilian nuclear co-operation would help reinforce confidence and creditability in the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards system and strengthen the non-proliferation regime,” he said.

Access: Tarar said the agency could make a ‘significant’ contribution in meeting the century needs by ensuring equitable access to nuclear materials, technology and equipment for peaceful purposes.

The agency’s founding ‘Atoms for Peace’ paradigm must be at the centre of any future vision, he said, explaining that such a vision could be ensured only with a balance between its promotional activities, and work in verification, nuclear safety and security.

The Pakistani delegate urged the agency to maintain its focus on its technical promotional character.

He also appreciated the Department of Technical Co-operation’s excellent programme delivery. For its part, Pakistan was prepared to contribute to the agency’s promotional activities.

Pakistan had advocated harnessing nuclear technology for peace, and had developed the entire range of the nuclear fuel cycle facilities, Tarar said, noting that two nuclear power plants were in operation, a third was under construction, and plans were under way to establish a uranium conversion and enrichment facility.

He added that he looked forward to the agency’s assistance to complete its nuclear power generation plan.

Tarar said Pakistan’s atomic energy development programme had always recognised nuclear safety and security, in the national and international context, as a vital objective, and the government had followed guidance contained in the agency’s Code of Conduct on the safety and security of radioactive sources.

Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, noting that his country’s track record on safeguards was ‘immaculate’. app

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