Topnews, Statements
09. September 2015
STATEMENT DELIVERED BY AMBASSADOR TEBOGO SEOKOLO, GOVERNOR/RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE IAEA, BOARD OF GOVERNORS, 7-11 SEPTEMBER 2015, VIENNA, AUSTRIA
AGENDA ITEM 6A: TECHNICAL COOPERATION: CURRENT APPLICATION OF THE DUE ACCOUNT MECHANISM AND PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR ITS APPLCIATION AS OF 2016-2017
Chairperson,
My delegation thanks the Director General for his report as contained in document GOV/2015/10 and takes note of the Agency’s efforts to “strictly apply the due account mechanism to all member States equally, efficiently and effectively”, in line with General Conference resolution GC(56)/RES/11.
We further appreciate the DG’s efforts to make the application of the due account mechanism more systematic, transparent and predictable for Member States and the recommendations for future TC cycles, starting with the cycle 2016-2017.
My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group and wishes to present the following remarks in our national capacity.
In this context, my delegation reiterates its view that it is through the IAEA and its Technical Cooperation Programme that the Third Pillar of the NPT is implemented. South Africa accordingly attaches great importance to the IAEA as the vehicle for accelerating and enlarging the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. Indeed South Africa views contribution to the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Fund das part of a political commitment to the fulfillment of the grand bargain upon which the NPT was founded. We wish to remind the Board that the objective of ensuring Sufficient, Assured and Predictable (SAP) resources for the TCF is a long overdue goal that we are yet to accomplish. It is South Africa’s view that the due account mechanism forms a key mechanism to increase funds for the TCF.
We are aware that both developed and developing countries are facing financial challenges. However, we strongly encourage all Member States to endeavor full payment of their voluntary contributions to the TCF so as to facilitate the Agency’s important work in assisting the increasing number of Member States submitting proposals for TC projects.
With these comments, my delegation approves the proposed guidelines concerning the application of the due account mechanism and recommends them for approval by the General Conference.
I thank you.