VIENNA, SEPTEMBER 26 – Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Giorgio Silli, today led the Italian delegation attending the 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
“We are deeply concerned about developments concerning the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, in particular the Zaporizhzhia plant. We believe it is essential that the Agency be able to directly monitor the country’s main nuclear facilities and continue to provide extensive support and assistance. Italy has readily offered voluntary contributions to the Agency to meet the extraordinary financial needs arising from these commitments”, said the Undersecretary during his speech at the plenary session of the Conference, underlining the principles of effective multilateralism, security, peace and shared prosperity.
Silli reiterated that “Italy is firmly against Russia’s illegal attempt to annex Ukrainian territory and the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia power plant, where the presence of Russian military and technical personnel remains unlawful”. With regard to Iran’s nuclear programme, he stressed that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) must once again become a central element of the global non-proliferation architecture and a successful example of multilateral diplomacy. The Undersecretary urged Iran to implement the obligations laid down in the Agreement and to resume diplomatic dialogue. Silli also expressed great concern regarding a possible resumption of nuclear testing in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and underlined how repeated ballistic missile launches in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions undermine regional and international peace and security.
On the sidelines of the General Conference, the Undersecretary had a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, during which the safety of nuclear sites in Ukraine, the Iranian nuclear dossier and the excellent cooperation between Italy and the Agency were discussed. The important contribution that Italian expertise and knowledge in nuclear applications and training provide to IAEA activities was also discussed during the meeting. Undersecretary Silli also inaugurated the Italian exhibition space organised on the occasion of the Conference and dedicated to Italian activities in the field of research and development of nuclear science and technology.
During his mission, Silli confirmed a voluntary Italian contribution to the IAEA in the amount of approximately 3 million euros to be directed to the Agency’s technical cooperation fund. (@OnuItalia)
