Statement by Denmark: Nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine
Vienna, 22 - 24 November 2023
Thank you Chair
1.Denmark is fully aligned with the EU statement delivered earlier.
2.The report before us makes clear the continued need for the IAEA presence at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, at the request of the rightful Ukrainian authorities. We are grateful for and fully supportive of the Agency’s efforts to help ensure nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. A nuclear accident would not only have grave consequences in Ukraine and the surrounding countries, but would also have severe global repercussions. Therefore, my government has decided to offer a voluntary financial contribution of six million Danish kroner, which is over 800,000 euro, to support the IAEA’s work in Ukraine.
3.We are concerned by the risks identified in the report before us with regard among other things to the staffing situation and the absence of regular maintenance activities given the serious potential consequences.
Chair
4.Let us be clear: the current risks did not exist before the illegal Russian invasion. They result from Russia’s illegal seizure of the plant and from its unjustified war of aggression on a sovereign neighbouring country. These are the reasons for the difficult and precarious situation reported by the Director General.
5.Therefore, the way to end the current threat to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine is obvious: Russia must comply with international law and the calls of this Board and the General Conference and reverse its invasion by fully withdrawing its forces, other personnel and all military equipment from the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and the entire territory of Ukraine. It must end its illegal war.
Chair
6.The Director General has repeatedly stressed the need for full and timely IAEA access to all locations at the Plant. We are concerned to read that the IAEA has experienced a reduction in the access granted, despite a recent positive development in this regard. Lack of access and timely provision of information prevents the Agency from fully assessing and confirming that all of the five principles for protecting nuclear safety and security at the Plant are being observed at all times. We strongly support the calls for the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission team to be enabled to carry out its functions unhindered. This is and must be the basis for the valuable updates that the Agency delivers to the international community.
7.We look forward to the Director General continuing to keep the Board of Governors updated about the situation and the IAEA’s continuous observations.
8.Finally, we are pleased that, despite the difficult circumstances, the Agency has been able to continue its safeguards work in accordance with Ukraine’s safeguards agreement and the established plans. We welcome the finding that there are no indications that would give rise to a proliferation concern.
9.In closing, I reiterate my country’s full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
Thank you, Chair
1.Denmark is fully aligned with the EU statement delivered earlier.
2.The report before us makes clear the continued need for the IAEA presence at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, at the request of the rightful Ukrainian authorities. We are grateful for and fully supportive of the Agency’s efforts to help ensure nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. A nuclear accident would not only have grave consequences in Ukraine and the surrounding countries, but would also have severe global repercussions. Therefore, my government has decided to offer a voluntary financial contribution of six million Danish kroner, which is over 800,000 euro, to support the IAEA’s work in Ukraine.
3.We are concerned by the risks identified in the report before us with regard among other things to the staffing situation and the absence of regular maintenance activities given the serious potential consequences.
Chair
4.Let us be clear: the current risks did not exist before the illegal Russian invasion. They result from Russia’s illegal seizure of the plant and from its unjustified war of aggression on a sovereign neighbouring country. These are the reasons for the difficult and precarious situation reported by the Director General.
5.Therefore, the way to end the current threat to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine is obvious: Russia must comply with international law and the calls of this Board and the General Conference and reverse its invasion by fully withdrawing its forces, other personnel and all military equipment from the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and the entire territory of Ukraine. It must end its illegal war.
Chair
6.The Director General has repeatedly stressed the need for full and timely IAEA access to all locations at the Plant. We are concerned to read that the IAEA has experienced a reduction in the access granted, despite a recent positive development in this regard. Lack of access and timely provision of information prevents the Agency from fully assessing and confirming that all of the five principles for protecting nuclear safety and security at the Plant are being observed at all times. We strongly support the calls for the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission team to be enabled to carry out its functions unhindered. This is and must be the basis for the valuable updates that the Agency delivers to the international community.
7.We look forward to the Director General continuing to keep the Board of Governors updated about the situation and the IAEA’s continuous observations.
8.Finally, we are pleased that, despite the difficult circumstances, the Agency has been able to continue its safeguards work in accordance with Ukraine’s safeguards agreement and the established plans. We welcome the finding that there are no indications that would give rise to a proliferation concern.
9.In closing, I reiterate my country’s full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
Thank you, Chair