The UAE calls for strengthening international protection for peaceful nuclear facilities

Abdullah Al-Alaa, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, delivered the State’s Address during the extraordinary meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which was held in the wake of the treacherous terrorist attacks by drones coming from Iraqi territory, one of which targeted the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and struck an electric generator outside the inner perimeter of the plant, without recording any casualties or any impact on radiation safety levels.

The members of the International Atomic Energy Agency praised the responsible and transparent approach followed by the competent national authorities in the country in dealing with the terrorist attack incident, stressing their appreciation for the close and constructive cooperation that the country demonstrated with the International Atomic Energy Agency. They also praised the measures taken in accordance with the highest standards of nuclear safety and security, which reflects the country’s firm commitment to transparency and international responsibility at the regional and international levels.

The extraordinary meeting was held based on a request submitted by Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, reflecting a joint commitment to protecting peaceful nuclear facilities and ensuring the integrity and credibility of the international framework for nuclear safety and security.

The extraordinary meeting was followed by the visit of IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to the UAE earlier this week, which included his visit to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and his meeting with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The visit confirmed international confidence in the UAE’s peaceful nuclear programme, and also highlighted the solid strategic partnership between the UAE and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

During the meeting, Al-Alaa renewed the UAE’s condemnation in the strongest terms of the terrorist attacks that targeted civilian nuclear infrastructure, and stressed that they represent a dangerous escalation, an unacceptable transgression, and a direct threat to the security of the state, and that targeting peaceful nuclear power plants is a clear violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the provisions of international humanitarian law, as it may result in serious risks to civilians, the environment, and regional and international security, as confirmed by the relevant international standards and agreements, including the principles and resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Relevant, the need to protect peaceful nuclear facilities and not expose their safety and security to any hostile acts or military threats.

He stressed that the extraordinary meeting is not only related to the accident that occurred in the UAE, but rather to the protection, integrity and credibility of the international framework for nuclear safety and security, explaining that the protection of nuclear facilities designated for peaceful purposes represents a firm international principle and a collective obligation borne by the international community.

He warned that attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities entail serious risks and may lead to serious humanitarian, environmental and economic consequences that transcend national borders, stressing that although there were no radioactive effects, the absence of damage does not reduce the seriousness of the attack.

He stressed that the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant remained safe and stable, and the competent national authorities responded immediately and implemented all necessary safety measures in accordance with the highest international standards and under the safeguards framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency. All reactor units maintained their safe status, and radiation levels remained within normal levels. No radiation effects were detected. His Excellency explained that the accident demonstrated the strength and solidity of the Barakah plant, reiterating the UAE’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, security and nuclear safeguards.

The UAE expressed its appreciation to Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia for supporting the call to hold the extraordinary meeting. It also expressed its thanks to the member states that expressed their solidarity with the country, and also welcomed the efforts aimed at issuing a joint statement affirming solidarity with the UAE and stressing the importance of protecting peaceful nuclear facilities from hostile actions and threats.

Abdullah Al-Alaa stressed that the UAE will not compromise in protecting its security and sovereignty under any circumstances, and that it reserves all its sovereign, legal, diplomatic and military rights in the face of any threat, claim or hostile action, in a way that guarantees the protection of its sovereignty, national security and the safety of its lands, citizens, residents and visitors, in accordance with international law.

At the end of his speech, His Excellency Balalaa called on the international community to condemn terrorist attacks on civilian nuclear infrastructure and strengthen efforts aimed at protecting peaceful nuclear facilities, in addition to maintaining confidence in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy as an essential contributor to energy security, sustainable development and prosperity.

The UAE renewed its full support for the International Atomic Energy Agency and its commitment to working with the Agency and member states to promote the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and safeguards worldwide.