HOLY SEE DELEGATION ADDRESSES TOPIC OF ATOMIC ENERGY

VATICAN CITY, SEP 20, 2000 (VIS) - Msgr. Dominique Rezeau, Holy See head of delegation to the 44th session of the general conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), meeting in Vienna from September 18 to 22, addressed that assembly on September 18. Msgr. Rezeau, whose speech was published yesterday afternoon, is the Holy See permanent representative to the IAEA.

Highlighting the need "to guarantee the usage of nuclear energy for solely pacific means," he said that "the 1970 nuclear arms non-proliferation treaties, and that of the total banning of nuclear tests, in course of being ratified, are considerable steps towards a universal, progressive and controlled nuclear disarmament."

Msgr. Rezeau then pointed to several items under discussion in the current meeting which are of special importance to the Holy See, including "strengthening the efficacy (of atomic energy), and improving the system of guarantees" and taking "measures to reinforce international cooperation in the domains of nuclear safety, radiological safety and the safety of (nuclear) waste."

"The Holy See delegation," he underlined, "wishes to insist on the extreme importance of international cooperation in the domain of nuclear safety."

While recognizing that States often must make "difficult choices," Msgr. Rezeau said these choices "cannot ignore human and moral factors. The advantages of a correct and safe use of nuclear energy are not negligible for the development of the least favored countries" and can "improve the living conditions of many people."

"Let us not forget," he said in closing remarks, "in a broader perspective of faith in God and confidence in man, that the latter is free to organize his life and his well-being to the best of his abilities."

DELSS;NUCLEAR ENERGY;...;VIENNA; REZEAU;VIS;20000920;Word: 280;