Statement by Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi
Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy
Delegate of the Government of JapanAt the Forty-eighth General Conference of theInternational Atomic Energy Agency

1. Opening Address
Mr. President,On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to congratulate you on yourelection as President of the 48th General Conference of the International Atomic
Energy Agency. I am convinced that your extensive experience and outstanding
abilities in steering the proceedings of international conferences will contribute to thesuccess of this General Conference. I would also like to extend a hearty welcome tothe Republic of Chad, the Republic of Togo and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania as
new members of the IAEA.
Mr. President, Mr. Director General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The international non-proliferation regime is currently facing serious challenges. The
North Korean nuclear issue as well as other non-proliferation issues have become
more serious than before, particularly in light of the recent discovery of the existenceof an underground network of nuclear proliferation. The strengthening of thenon-proliferation regime has become one of the most important and urgent issues forthe international community to address. At the same time, the importance of nuclear
energy as an energy source that is not only stable in supply but also contributes to theprevention of global warming has increased. As the representatives of the Member
States present here are well aware, the peaceful use of nuclear energy in such fields as
medical treatment, agriculture and industry is extremely beneficial for social andeconomic development of the international community. Therefore, Japan strongly
believes that the role of the IAEA in both the strengthening of the nuclear
non-proliferation regime and the peaceful use of nuclear energy is becoming
increasingly important.
2. Strengthening of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime
Mr. President,The strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime is one of the most importantpillars of Japan's foreign policy. Next year, the NPT Review Conference, which isheld every five years, will be convened in New York. Next year also marks the 60th
anniversary of the atomic bombings in Japan. Therefore, the year 2005 presents theinternational community with an opportunity to renew its commitment to nuclear
disarmament and non-proliferation and to make further efforts to this end. I would like1

to take this opportunity to reiterate that Japan, as the only country that has suffered thetragedy of atomic bombings, will continue to uphold its "Three Non-nuclear
Principles" of “not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction ofnuclear weapons into Japan”.
It is the responsibility of the entire international community to strengthen the nuclear
non-proliferation regime by closing any loopholes in the current regime. Both U.S.
President Bush's proposal on non-proliferation and IAEA Director General
El-Baradei's initiative on multilateral approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle underline thenecessity of preventing the proliferation of sensitive nuclear technology, such asenrichment and reprocessing. Japan fully shares the concerns indicated in both
initiatives. However, at the same time, I believe that any discussion of these initiatives
needs to carefully consider the reality of the peaceful use of nuclear energy andpeople’s desire for it.
Mr. President,
The strengthening of the IAEA safeguards system is vital to reinforcing the nuclear
non-proliferation regime. Therefore, Japan continues to make efforts towards theuniversalization of the Additional Protocol as the most realistic and effective means ofachieving this objective. However, to date, the Additional Protocol has only come into
force in 60 states, which is not a standard we can be satisfied with. I urge those statesthat have not yet concluded an Additional Protocol to do so as soon as possible.
The implementation of integrated safeguards started in Japan last week on 15th. It is
the first time that integrated safeguards have been implemented in a country with large
scale nuclear activities like Japan. We consider this an important achievement which
will be a good example to other states. Japan attaches importance to further enhancing
the efficiency of the safeguards system through the efficient use of limited resources of
the IAEA. The implementation of integrated safeguards is also beneficial from thatpoint of view.
2. Nuclear Issues of North Korea, Iran and Libya etc.
Mr. President,
North Korea's nuclear program not only presents a grave threat to the peace andstability of Northeast Asia, but it also poses a serious challenge to the international
non-proliferation regime. We strongly urge North Korea to comply fully with all its
obligations under the NPT and other relevant international agreements, and to
immediately dismantle all nuclear programs under credible international verification.
We believe it is essential to achieve a peaceful solution to this issue through theSix-Party Talks process. It is therefore important to hold the fourth round of the
Six-Party Talks without delay.
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As for Iran, Japan is concerned that there still remain outstanding issues, in spite of thefact that almost two years have passed since the IAEA first recognized Iran’s
undeclared activities. Japan has, on occasions of bilateral foreign ministerial talks andDisarmament/Non-proliferation consultations with Iran, strongly urged the Iranian
government to faithfully implement all the requirements of the past IAEA Board ofGovernors resolutions and also to ratify promptly its Additional Protocol in order todispel international concerns. In order to solve Iran’s nuclear problem promptly, it isessential that Iran improve its transparency. Japan would like to once again take thisopportunity to urge Iran to faithfully implement all the requirements of the past IAEA
resolutions including the one which was adopted at the Board of Governors Meeting
last week.
Japan would like to commend Libya for its decision to abandon its weapons of mass
destruction program, including its nuclear weapons program, as well as for its
increased cooperation with the international community. Japan strongly hopes that
other countries of nuclear proliferation concern will follow the example of Libya andcooperate fully with the Agency.
Japan understands that the Republic of Korea has extended cooperation with theAgency in a transparent manner, and we appreciate such an attitude. At the same time,from the viewpoint of maintaining the credibility of the NPT and the IAEA
Safeguards regime, Japan has deep interest in this issue and is paying close attention
to the statement by the Director General that "it is a matter of serious concern." Japan
expects that the Republic of Korea will continue to fully cooperate with the Agency
and maintain its level of transparency for the clarification of these past instances ofconcern. Japan believes it is important to resolve this issue at the earliest opportunity.
4. Nuclear Security
Mr. President,Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the threat of nuclear terrorism has
become an important issue that the international community needs to address. From
this viewpoint, Japan commends the IAEA's initiatives in this area, including theNuclear Security Fund, and looks forward to the early convening of a conference toamend the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. We take noteof the progress of Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI), which was proposed bythe United States. We will continue to cooperate with this initiative in an appropriatemanner, bearing in mind the Findings of the recent International Partners' Conference.

35. Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy
Mr. President,
Japan recognizes the significant role played by the Agency in the peaceful use ofnuclear energy. Of particular importance is technical cooperation with developing
countries to promote radioisotope applications in such fields as medical treatment,agriculture and industry. Japan has continuously contributed 100% of its share of theIAEA Technical Cooperation Fund. We strongly encourage all Member States tomake further efforts to pay their share of the Technical Cooperation Fund in full andwithout delay. We also urge recipient countries to fulfill their shared responsibilities.
Nuclear power is one of the main power sources in Japan. Japan has continued todevelop a nuclear fuel cycle in order to enhance the advantages of nuclear energy. We
are currently preparing a new "long-term program for research, development andutilization of nuclear energy" seeking better public acceptance of our basic policy
through the active participation of all stakeholders.
Japan believes in the importance of taking long-term perspectives on the futurenuclear energy policy. In this respect, ITER project is extremely important. We
therefore hope that a decision on the site for the ITER project to realize nuclear fusionenergy will be made with consensus among the six parties. We continue to invite thisproject to Rokkasho and we strongly believe that it is of the utmost importance toimplement this project through international partnership.
6. Mihama Accident : Nuclear Safety
Last month, an accident involving a gush of steam due to a pipe burst occurred in oneof our nuclear power plants. Though it was not a nuclear accident, it was certainly atragedy that resulted in workers’ casualties. We are fully aware of the importance ofensuring safety in nuclear power plants and are committed to doing everythingnecessary to further improve safety and prevent similar accidents from happening
again. We attached importance to international cooperation in this area of nuclear
safety. We think highly of the initiatives taken by the IAEA and will continue tocooperate actively with them.
7. Transport of Radioactive Material
The smooth transport of radioactive materials is indispensable for the peaceful use ofnuclear energy. In particular, international transport of radioactive materials is based
upon the right of free-navigation established under the international law. In
conducting such transport, Japan employs the most stringent safety measures inaccordance with international standards set by the international organizations
concerned. Furthermore, I am pleased to report that Japan has requested that the4Agency organize a TranSAS mission to Japan.
8. IAEA Budget, Personnel Affairs
I understand that sufficient financial support is necessary for the Agency to carry out
its expected role. To this end, Japan has supported the Fiscal Year 2005 regular budget,
including the increased safeguards budget. However, I would like to call on theSecretariat to continue its efforts towards improving efficiency in budget management
through the prioritization of projects and reduction of costs.
9. Closing Remarks
Mr. President,
I would like to conclude my address by reiterating Japan’s commitment to actively
supporting the IAEA so that the Agency can fulfill its noble mission.
Thank you very much for your kind attention.

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