Statement by Mr. MATSUDA Iwao,
Special Envoy of the Government of Japan
at the 52nd General Conference of the IAEA
29 September 2008

1. Opening Address
Mr. President, Mr. Director General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to congratulate you, Mr.
President, on your election as President of the 52nd General Conference. I would also
like to welcome the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Sultanate of Oman, and theIndependent State of Papua New Guinea, as new members.

2. Japan’s Contribution to the IAEA
Mr. President,

The IAEA is one of the most pivotal international organizations in the maintenance ofpeace and prosperity for humanity. Japan has been making significant contributions
to the Agency’s activities as a member of the Board of Governors since thefoundation of the Agency, and can be considered a model country in terms of thepeaceful use of nuclear energy. The knowledge acquired by Japan in this field has
been shared widely and constructively with many developing nations by means ofIAEA Technical Cooperation. Adhering to the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles”, Japan
has also been contributing to the strengthening of the IAEA safeguards system, bysharing its advanced safeguards technology with the IAEA.

Mr. President,1Under the leadership of Director General, Dr. ElBaradei, the Agency has gained anincreased level of confidence from - and wider recognition by - the international
community. I would like to take this opportunity to express Japan’s sincere
appreciation to Director General Dr. ElBaradei for his tireless work. As we wish tomake further contributions to the enhancement and development of the Agency, theGovernment of Japan has taken the decision to nominate Mr. Yukiya Amano,Permanent Representative of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna, as acandidate to succeed Dr. ElBaradei as Director General of the IAEA. I truly believethat Ambassador Amano is best suited to take on the role and responsibilities of theDirector General, as he has accomplished remarkable achievements and proven his
esteemed competence in the areas of the peaceful use of nuclear energy andnon-proliferation, including the chairmanships of the 2005-2006 session of the IAEA
Board of Governors, and the first session of the NPT Preparatory Committee in 2007
when he contributed to a successful start of the process towards the 2010 NPT
Review Conference. Expressing our firm conviction that Ambassador Amano willbring further development to the Agency, I would like to ask all the Member States ofthe IAEA to support Ambassador Yukiya Amano.

3. Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
Mr. President,Nuclear energy is one of the most effective means to both ensure a steady energy
supply and combat global warming. In the recent years of “Nuclear Renaissance”, agrowing number of countries have expressed their interest in introducing orexpanding nuclear power programmes.

In order to introduce or expand nuclear power programmes in an appropriate manner,
it is necessary to ensure 3S, namely non-proliferation/safeguards, nuclear safety and2

nuclear security. The role of the IAEA in this regard is becoming ever more important.
Aiming to raise awareness of the importance of 3S worldwide and assist in thedevelopment of 3S and the associated infrastructure, Japan proposed an international
initiative on 3S-based nuclear energy infrastructure and launched it at the G8
Hokkaido Toyako Summit July this year. As a follow-up activity to this initiative,
Japan, together with the Agency, successfully held a regional seminar on 3S lastmonth in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Furthermore, Japan continues to expand its assistance to those countries planning to
introduce nuclear power generation. Japan has, for example, taken the decision to
make an additional extra-budgetary contribution to the Agency since this fiscal year,
in a bid to support the 3S-related infrastructure development, capacity building andthe establishment of a legal framework, through the dispatch of international experts
to those countries planning to introduce nuclear power generation.

In light of the need to strengthen the efforts to combat global warming, Japan
believes that nuclear power should be eligible for the Clean Development Mechanism.
With that in mind, Japan conducts its activities in this field, including the formulationof concrete proposals at the UN Ad Hoc Working Group.

Japan will also continue to participate actively in international initiatives, such as theGeneration IV International Forum (GIF), GNEP (Global Nuclear EnergyPartnership), INPRO (the IAEA International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors
and Fuel Cycles) and ITER (the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactors).
Japan will also promote international cooperation in the development of generation
IV reactors and medium and small reactors which will contribute to the peaceful use
of nuclear energy and nuclear non-proliferation. We also continue to develop theMonju Fast Breeder Reactor, as a basis for research and development of fast breeder3reactors.

On the assurance of nuclear fuel supply initiatives, views have been expressed thatthese may infringe upon the right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We believethat further discussions are needed. Fully taking into account the various views on
this matter, Japan announced its proposal on the “IAEA Standby Arrangements
System for the Assurance of Nuclear Fuel Supply” at the 50th IAEA GeneralConference, with a view to establishing an effective framework that would beacceptable to the widest possible range of States. Our aim was to establish a system
within the Agency, which would contribute to dispel uncertainties on fuel supply andprevent market disturbance, by registering the supply capacities of Member States inall phases of the whole front-end of the nuclear fuel cycle. I believe that Japan’sproposal, which I announced here two years ago, is useful for all Member Stateswishing to enjoy the benefits of nuclear energy, as it contributes to the enhancementof nuclear fuel market transparency. To further deepen this proposal, Japan plans tohold a seminar on fuel market transparency over the course of this fiscal year.

4. Technical Cooperation
Mr. President,

Japan attaches great importance to the IAEA technical cooperation activities. We
have continuously contributed 100% of our share to the Technical Cooperation Fund,and have made significant contributions in terms of financial and human resource
assistance in the field of the utilization of isotopes in medicine and industry among
other areas.

As a member of the RCA (Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research,Development and Training), Japan also contributes to joint research, development
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and training on nuclear science and technology for developing countries in the Asia Pacific region. As the chairing country of the RCA, Japan will host a National RCA
Representative meeting in Tokyo next April.

Japan has also played an important role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear
energy in Asia through the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA).

5. Strengthening of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime
Mr. President,

Japan, as the only country that has suffered atomic bombings, is determined tocontinuously and strenuously appeal to the world for the elimination of all nuclearweapons. The 2010 NPT Review Conference represents an extremely importantmilestone. The International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation andDisarmament, established by Japan and Australia July this year, will commence its
activity by holding its first meeting next month. I hope it will present a meaningful
and practical recommendation to the Review Conference and contribute to its
successful outcome.

Since Japan began utilizing nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful purposes, Japan
has ensured international confidence in its activities by maintaining a high level oftransparency. As a result, the integrated safeguards system has now been
implemented in Japan. And the world’s first Site-Level Integrated Safeguards
approach was introduced in Japan last month for facilities including a reprocessing
plant in the most efficient manner.

The universalization of the Additional Protocol is the most realistic and effective way
to strengthen IAEA safeguards. Japan will continue to promote this universalization
5where possible, and to this end, will continue to host ASTOP (the Asian Senior-levelTalks on Non-Proliferation) meetings and IAEA seminars.

Japan attaches great importance to ensuring and improving the independent analyticalcapabilities of the Agency. With this in mind, Japan made an extra-budgetarycontribution to help strengthen the function of the IAEA Safeguards Analytical
Laboratory.

The decision taken by Libya to abandon its weapons of mass destruction sets a goodand highly-valued precedent. Through these actions, Libya has contributed tointernational peace and security. As described in the recent Director General’s reporton Libya and in the first resolution on the implementation of the NPT safeguards
agreement of Libya since March 2004, Japan welcomes Libya’s active cooperation
with the Agency. We should do our utmost to extend our cooperation to Libya so that
Libya can become a role model for others to follow.

The international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime must not be
weakened by civil nuclear cooperation to India. Japan, as the only country to havesuffered the devastation caused by the use of atomic bombings, urges India to takefurther actions in order to maintain and strengthen the international nuclear
non-proliferation regime. Japan also continues to urge India to accede to the NPT as a
non-nuclear-weapon State, and to sign and ratify the CTBT at the earliest possible
date.

The nuclear development undertaken by the DPRK is a threat to the peace andsecurity of not only Japan, but also of East Asia and the entire international
community, and represents a serious challenge to the NPT regime. Regarding theSix-Party Talks, the DPRK has not yet agreed to a concrete framework of6verifications. Furthermore, the DPRK has halted the disablement and is now carryingout restoration activities at the Yongbyon nuclear facility, including having IAEA’sinspectors remove seals and surveillance equipment. We are concerned about thecurrent status. Japan’s policy is to comprehensively resolve the outstanding issues
concerning the DPRK, including abductions, nuclear and missile issues, and torealize the normalization of relations with the DPRK, through the settlement ofunfortunate past. Japan continues to actively work towards a peaceful resolution ofnuclear issues within the framework of the Six-Party Talks.

Iran has regrettably continued, and even expanded, its uranium enrichment-related
activities in defiance of calls by the international community. In order to remove theconcerns of the international community and to gain its confidence, Iran has to fully
cooperate with the IAEA and respond sincerely to the requirements set forth by therelevant IAEA Board resolutions and UN Security Council resolutions. Japan
continues to work towards a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of the issues inconcert with the international community.

6. Nuclear Safety and Security
Mr. President,

Ensuring safety is a prerequisite for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Regarding the effects that last year’s earthquake in the Niigata Prefecture had on theKashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the fundamental safety functions wereensured following the earthquake. Nevertheless, we are making rigorous efforts toconfirm the safety of the reactors, through consultations with the committeescomposed of relevant experts. In June, Japan hosted an IAEA workshop in theKashiwazaki-Kariwa region in order to share the lessons learned from this experience.
Japan has taken the decision to make a new extra-budgetary contribution in this field,
7and will actively support the newly established IAEA International Seismic Safety
Center.

The safe transport of radioactive material is an essential aspect of the peaceful use ofnuclear energy. Based on the right of freedom of navigation under international law,
Japan will continue to conduct transport of nuclear materials, while employing themost stringent safety measures in accordance with international standards. Japan will
also engage in dialogue with shipping and coastal States, building confidence andenhancing mutual understanding.

Japan has initiated projects to help bolster nuclear security, mainly in the Asianregion, with its contribution to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund. Japan has also
actively been participating in the drafting of IAEA guidelines on nuclear security.

7. Closing Remarks
Mr. President,

The core missions of the IAEA, aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of the globalpopulation, continue to grow. I assure you that Japan will play a leading role tofurther contribute to the IAEA with its knowledge and experience, so that the Agency
can fulfill its important missions. In this regard, I would like to ask you again to
support Ambassador Yukiya Amano for the post of the next Director General of theAgency.

Thank you for your attention.

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