Statement by Mr. Masato TAKAOKA

Alternative Representative of Japan

to the Second Preparatory Committee

of the 2000 Review Conference of the Parties

to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Geneva, 5 May 1998

(CLUSTER 3) Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy

　

　

　 The NPT regime constitutes an international framework to facilitate co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which, needless to say, are applicable not only among industrialized nations but also to developing countries. Japan, for its part, intends to contribute as much as possible to the promotion of such co-operation through bilateral and multilateral means, while at the same time ensuring the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

　

　 The Prep.Com. may wish to note successful achievements attained thus far through the IAEA's Technical Co-operation Programs. As for the financing of Technical Co-operation Programs, Japan is a major contributor and is proud of its record of full payment to the Technical Co-operation Fund (TCF) since its establishment. On the other hand, in view of budgetary difficulties in a number of countries in recent years, the question appears to be not simply about increasing the target for the TCF. Ways and means for funding technical assistance need to be contrived to make ends meet. My delegation is interested in the applications of the "due account" principle to encourage payment of TCF contributions and assessed program costs as well as eligibility criteria.

　

　 Ensuring safety is an essential prerequisite for the development and uses of nuclear energy. While the primary responsibility for nuclear safety lies in the hands of individual nations, international mechanisms are becoming increasingly important to improve the safety environment. In this regard, the nuclear review process under the Convention of Nuclear Safety is of paramount importance. Japan intends to contribute to ensuring the successful implementation of the Convention, and hopes that many more nations will join in this undertaking.

　

　 The Prep.Com. may also wish to welcome the adoption of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. Japan hopes that this Convention will achieve and maintain a higher level of safety management worldwide.

　

　 With regard to the transboundary movement of radioactive materials, it is important that the transport be conducted in a safe and secure manner and in compliance with the safety standards of the IAEA and the IMO, while navigational rights and freedoms as provided for by the applicable rules of international law should not be impaired.

　

　 Japan is of the view that any nuclear fuel cycle program should be carried out under the principles of not holding surplus plutonium and keeping the program as transparent as possible. In this context, the Prep.Com. may note the international guidelines recently formulated by a group of nine countries, including Japan, on the management of plutonium. The guidelines provide for occasional statements explaining national strategies for nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle as well as for the annual publications of figures regarding plutonium holdings.

　

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.