From Ana María Cetto, International Atomic Energy Agency
Najmedin Meshkati asserts that Iran is prevented from having access to “the independent safety review, knowledge and practices” of the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme (14 July, p 46). This is incorrect.
In accordance with the relevant resolutions of the IAEA board of governors and the UN Security Council, the agency continues to assist the Islamic Republic of Iran in strengthening its capabilities in the area of nuclear safety. Technical advice, based on international safety codes, standards and proven practices, is being provided, for example, in relation to a review of the Bushehr nuclear power plant’s final safety analysis report.
Technical workshops have also been conducted to improve Iran’s capabilities in a number of safety-related areas including design safety review, quality assurance, safety culture, personnel training and qualification systems, emergency preparedness and physical protection. In providing such safety assistance to Iran, the IAEA has engaged leading international experts as well as a number of national stakeholders, including the national nuclear safety regulatory authority. This has assisted the authority in the implementation of its functions and responsibilities during the design, construction, preparation for commissioning and start-up, and operation of the plant.
Vienna, Austria
