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News analysis: Challenges facing new IAEA chief

Published: 01/12/2009 05:00

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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had a change of leadership Tuesday, with seasoned Japanese diplomat Yukiya Amano officially taking the director general’s post.

New International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano (C) gestures during his first staff meetingt in his office at Vienna’s U.N. headquarters December 1, 2009. Japanese diplomat Amano took charge of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Tuesday, replacing Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mohamed ElBaradei who retired after 12 years at the helm. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

IRAN NUCLEAR ISSUE

Amano assumed the post at a sensitive time when disputes surrounding the Iran nuclear issue were suffering a new round of intensification. Resolution against difficulties and diplomatic tactics of the reserved Japanese are to be tested in the initial stage of his leadership.

The IAEA’s resolution on Friday demanding Iran’s “full cooperation” to clarify all outstanding issues involving its nuclear program was fiercely rejected by the country, which denounced the resolution as a “politically motivated” move and refused to stop its nuclear activities.

In addition, the Iranian government on Sunday ordered the construction of another 10 new uranium enrichment sites in the country for enriched uranium with higher purity, and attempted for an annual production between 250 to 300 tons of nuclear fuel. It warned of a reconsideration of cooperation with the IAEA if pressures from Western countries were further increased.

In such an escalation of tensions, countries around the world have placed their expectation on the new helmsman in the hopes that he will maneuver smoothly.

KOREAN PENINSULA AND SYRIA

Amano’s challenges also include problems involving the Korean Peninsula and Syria.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has severed negotiations with the international community on the termination of its nuclear program, and the IAEA’s nuclear safeguard supervision on the country has ceased.

In Syria, the suspicious nature of some nuclear facilities is waiting to be further clarified. Moreover, although other existing nuclear issues in remaining parts of the world have not yet reached the level prompting quick reaction, the requirement for effective safeguards and supervision is also quite an arduous task for the IAEA and its new chief.

Meanwhile, nuclear energy’s increasing role in the life of mankind in the current world and the expanding voice for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, especially from the developing countries, are calling for Amano and his institution to find a feasible system — a system which protects the rights and interests of the peaceful use of nuclear energy and at the same time prevents nuclear materials and technologies from being abused, which could lead to nuclear proliferation.

LOW-PROFILE DIPLOMAT

Amano is fully aware of both the multiple jobs the IAEA should assume as well as the institution’s incompetence in certain aspects. Shortly after being elected director general in July, Amano criticized the IAEA’s incomprehensive concentration on dealing with nuclear disputes, acknowledging that such deficiency justified a large number of developing states’ discontent about the IAEA.

Amano stressed that the IAEA should play an active role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and pledged more efforts in helping developing states in this field for alternative energy. He made clear at the same time that bringing in the new mission would never move him back from tackling the tricky issues involving Iran and the Korean Peninsula.

However, little is yet known about Amano’s working style and policy inclination. He is well-known for his reserved manner and seldom expresses his views on public occasions. Insiders said he did not appear to be very active in the IAEA and UN affairs, and became even more discreet after being elected the new chief.

During the competition for the agency’s top post this summer, Amano argued that an IAEA chief should not be involved in diplomatic disputes, and the agency should be only a platform to deal with technical issues, instead of a diplomatic mediator. He believed that an IAEA director general should be a mere executor of decisions.

But an executor of what decisions? The majority of IAEA officials and analysts believed that Amano may be inclined to favor the U.S.-led Western camp on regional nuclear issues.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet

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