Governor to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors at
the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, Vienna
25 March 2009
Appointment of the Director-General of the IAEA
Chairperson,
At the outset let me thank you, Ambassador Feroukhi, for your impartiality
and professionalism in conducting this election process, which has completed
its initial stages. Our work in the Board for this year has only just begun,
and indeed there are some challenges ahead of us. I look forward to working
with you and my colleagues in the Board to deal with these issues.
Chairperson,
May I also take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the
African Union and to all others who have given their support and personal
encouragement for my candidature in the Board of Governors, the wider
membership of the IAEA and within the Secretariat.
This support will not be forgotten. We will build thereon to ensure that the
agency will continue its unique and independent contribution to humanity.
Chairperson,
We were hopeful that those that advocated change and a relationship with the
developing world based on trust and partnership would, in this important
election process have implemented these noble ideals, but sadly it appears as
this has only remained as good intentions.
In the words of Martin Luther King, which also guided and inspired our own
liberation struggle, âChange does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability,
but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and
work for our freedom. A man canât ride you unless your back is bent.â
Therefore, looking towards the future, South Africa will apply the same
commitment as we did with our own freedom struggle and continue to play a
leading role in achieving a world free of the threat posed by nuclear weapons.
We believe that this is not only in our national interest, but in the interest
of the international community as a whole; and we look forward to working and
engaging with other member States, including in dynamic new partnerships and
coalitions, to further our common goal to eradicate nuclear weapons.
South Africa will also continue to promote the importance of the
non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and in this context further enhance the
peaceful application of nuclear energy. In this context, we will also be
vigilant that developing countries are not denied access to the benefits of
nuclear energy and advanced technologies needed for their own development.
In conclusion, Chairperson,
South Africa, in consultation with those that supported us, will evaluate the
results of this election process to enable a decision as to what course of
action we need to take to facilitate the election of a new Director General of
the IAEA.
I thank you.
Department of Foreign Affairs
27 March 2009
