Miles A. Pomper, Senior Research Associate , James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Monterey Institute of International Studies, Canada

— Russia has a very important role in the international nonproliferation system

In the framework of the 53rd IAEA General conference Dr Mohamed

ElBaradei and next IAEA chief Yukio Amano during the meeting with

Director General of Rosatom state nuclear energy corporation said that

Russia significantly contributes to strengthening of nuclear

nonproliferation regime.

Russia has a very important role in the international nonproliferation system. It has worked constructively over the years to strengthen the nuclear nonproliferation system, in efforts such as strengthening safeguards, and contributing to negotiations with such countries as North Korea. As a major nuclear-weapon state its commitment to disarmament is also important to meeting the nonproliferation treaty’s disarmament commitments. In addition, Russia is certain to play an important role in seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program.

Processing of highly enriched uranium, retrieving of fresh and spent highly enriched nuclear fuel from research reactors of soviet design in third countries

are very important steps made by Russia to the nuclear nonproliferation system as they decrease the likelihood that non-nuclear-weapon states will develop nuclear weapons or that terrorists will be able to develop such arms. It is also worthwhile to note that Russia has begun studying the feasibility of converting some of its own reactors from the use of highly enriched uranium.

The International Uranium Enrichment Center marks an important contribution by Russia to nuclear nonproliferation efforts. By developing such a center, Russia makes it less likely that new states or terrorists could acquire the materials for nuclear weapons.