IAEA keen to share lessons of Fukushima

September 14, 2015

IAEA discussing nuclear issues in Iran and Japan

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150915_03.html

Sep. 14, 2015 - Updated 18:20 UTC+2

Members of the International Atomic Energy Agency have begun discussing an international nuclear deal with Iran, among other issues.

The nuclear watchdog agency opened its 5-day annual General Conference in Vienna on Monday.

In his opening speech, Director General Yukiya Amano said the nuclear deal made between Iran and 6 world powers in July contributes to the IAEA's verification procedures.

US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz praised the agreement for making clear that Iran would not possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances.

The head of Iran's atomic energy agency Ali Akbar Salehi called for an impartial and objective conclusion of the ongoing process by the IAEA and the 6 powers. He said unjust sanctions should be removed.

The IAEA has submitted to the conference its final report on the 2011 nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The agency hopes to share lessons from Fukushima and improve the safety of nuclear plants.

Chairman of Japan's Atomic Energy Commission Yoshiaki Oka briefed the conference about the restart of a nuclear power plant in August under new regulations introduced after the Fukushima accident. All nuclear plants in Japan had been off line for nearly 2 years.