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Ambassador Abdul Samad Minty to Chair the General Conference
of the IAEA on 18 - 20 September 2006 Vienna - The General Conference of
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will take place from 18 to 22 September
2006 in Vienna, Austria. This Conference, which marks the 50th Anniversary of
the Agency, is also expected to cover certain key activities of the Agency, including
those related to the implementation of safeguards, the safety and security of
nuclear material and facilities, the threat of nuclear terrorism, as well as measures
to strengthen technical co-operation in nuclear power generation and other areas
of human development. The South African delegation to the General Conference
will be led by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, who will
deliver South Africa's national statement during the General Debate on the opening
day of the Conference. She has also been invited, together with a number of international
experts, to deliver a keynote address during a Special Event on a "New Framework
for the Utilisation of Nuclear Energy in the 21st Century: Assurances of Supply
and Non-Proliferation" on 19 September 2006, which will address important
issues related to the nuclear fuel cycle. In addition, Minister Sonjica will also
be meeting with a number of bilateral counterparts to discuss matters of mutual
interest. At this 50th Session of the General Conference, it is Africa's
turn to preside over the Conference and South Africa has been nominated by the
African Group to fulfil this role. South Africa's Special Representative on Disarmament
and Governor on the IAEA Board, Ambassador Abdul Samad Minty will preside over
the 50th Regular Session. Ambassador Minty will also act as Panel Member in the
concluding session of the Special Event. South Africa is committed to the
Agency's objectives to further the development and applications of nuclear technology
towards peace, health and prosperity. The South African delegation will engage
in discussions at the Conference on the basis of its principled positions on the
peaceful application of nuclear energy and the need to ensure that non-proliferation
efforts are undertaken in strict conformity with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty and do not become a means of preventing developing countries from gaining
access to advanced technologies. Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 Department
of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 17 September
2006
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