Rafael Grossi
@rafaelmgrossi · Iran watchers, nuclear experts & opposition
Rafael Grossi is the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
In a fragmented world, the @IAEAorg is more indispensable than ever. Addressed the Board of Governors this morning on our impartial and expert work as part of some of the most sensitive and consequential international efforts of our time. In Syria, we have achieved a historic breakthrough. Having received the necessary access and information, the Agency has been able to clarify and resolve its questions concerning the outstanding safeguards issues related to Syria’s past nuclear activities. I welcome Syria’s transparency and cooperation. At ZNPP, the nuclear safety situation remains delicate. Following persistent IAEA efforts, a seventh localized ceasefire took hold this weekend, allowing demining and repair work to begin on a vital power line. Both Russia and Ukraine engaged constructively to make this possible, showing that practical steps can be taken even in extremely difficult circumstances to improve nuclear safety. I again call for maximum military restraint around all nuclear facilities and their staff. In Iran, the Agency has neither received information on the status of declared nuclear material or facilities nor had access to conduct in-field verification activities during this reporting period. Our lack of information and inability to conduct verification is a serious proliferation concern that needs to be rectified with the utmost urgency. A return to diplomacy and negotiations is imperative: they are the only way to achieve long-term assurance that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons. The Republic of Korea has formally notified the IAEA of its intention to start consultations on an arrangement for nuclear-powered submarines, reiterating its commitment to fulfill its obligations under the NPT, its safeguards agreement and Additional Protocol. Looking ahead to the 70th #IAEAGC and our Scientific Forum on #RaysOfHope next week, an important opportunity to build on the momentum to reach even more people with the cancer care they need. The upcoming International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the Republic of Korea aims to address growing demand, energy security and sustainable development, while the third high-level meeting of the World Fusion Energy Group will continue its catalytic role in helping accelerate research, development, demonstration and deployment of fusion energy. Following the launch of #AtlasIAEA in Washington DC last month, we are bringing together the nuclear and maritime sectors to shape the future of two crucial industries - energy and shipping - and build global confidence in the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology at sea. At the same time, our work continues delivering for Member States: #Atoms4Food is helping countries strengthen food security; #NUTECPlastics has established a global marine monitoring network; and ZODIAC continues to respond rapidly to disease outbreaks, including the recent Ebola outbreak in the DRC; and we continue providing specialized equipment and training following earthquakes. At a time of conflict and fragmentation, the Agency’s role in the pursuit of peace, security and development is more necessary than ever. My full remarks: https://t.co/NBZW0r7Deg
Pleased to welcome Ambassador Christine Goy of @LUinVienna to the @IAEAorg this morning. A timely exchange ahead of this week’s Board of Governors meeting, particularly on Iran and the significant progress made in Syria. Grateful for the Agency’s support and its work.
Translated from FrenchGood to welcome @LUinVienna’s Ambassador Christine Goy to the @IAEAorg this morning. A timely conversation ahead of this week’s Board of Governors, including on Iran and the important progress made in Syria. Grateful for 🇱🇺’s support for the Agency and its work. https://t.co/6ThZxx1JkC
A pleasure to welcome Jordan’s @ForeignMinistry @AymanHsafadi to the @IAEAorg today for a timely meeting on the Agency’s non-proliferation work, including in Iran and Syria. Grateful for our excellent cooperation with 🇯🇴 and I look forward to continuing our close work together. https://t.co/r27FPyWVmJ
The US is a key partner across the full range of @IAEAorg's work, from nuclear safety and security to safeguards, non/proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. Excellent to welcome @usunvie Ambassador Preston Wells Griffith III to the Agency and exchange on important issues ahead of next week's Board of Governors, including Iran and Syria. I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Griffith and continuing our strong partnership with the 🇺🇸.
Delighted to be with @ENERGY @SecretaryWright in Washington DC ahead of tomorrow’s launch of ATLAS, an @IAEAorg initiative that will help pave the way for the deployment of civil nuclear applications at sea, including nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants to support global trade and provide energy for remote communities and industries. Grateful to the 🇺🇸 for its strong support in making this launch possible. We also had an exchange on nuclear non-proliferation issues, including Iran and my recent visit to Syria last week, where important progress is being made.
I’m currently in Syria, in the context of ongoing cooperation with the Syrian Government to clarify and resolve outstanding safeguards issues related to implementing its NPT Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. We conducted the following activities: • Deir Ez-Zor site: observed ongoing excavation activities in close coordination with the IAEA; • Undeclared location outside of Damascus: confirmed the presence of several tons of natural uranium metal. Agreed with the government that the undeclared material will be verified and subject to routine Agency safeguards; • Visited a location where large quantities of graphite are stored which is also related to the past nuclear activities at Deir Ez-Zor. Thanks to the government, including @syrianmofaex’s Foreign Minister @AsaadHShaibani, for the proactive cooperation on this crucial work so that nuclear activities in this country are no longer associated with nuclear weapons, but with energy, food, and health.