IAEA: Iraq has entered a new nuclear energy phase

INA-  BAGHDAD

The International Atomic Energy Agency stated that Iraq has entered a new phase in the field of nuclear energy and the practice of its nuclear activity, while the Radiation Protection Center confirmed on Thursday that significant progress has been made in mitigating the effects of radioactive contamination. 
 
 
"Nearly 43 years after the Zionist entity destroyed the first Iraqi nuclear reactor that was built, Iraq begins today a new phase in the field of nuclear energy and the practice of its nuclear activity for peaceful purposes with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and work to develop a road map to develop Iraq's work, build infrastructure and access to nuclear technology in peaceful fields," said Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in a post that was obtained by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) and cited by the Center for Radiation Protection.


"Great achievements have been made in the field of removing the effects of radioactive pollution that resulted from the successive wars of the former regime and the effects they left on the environment of Iraq," said Sabah Al-Husseini, Director General of the Radiation Protection Center, in a statement. "This is certainly a great national achievement in line with international standards and the principles of the International Atomic Energy Agency." 
 
 He emphasized the vital oversight function performed by the Radiation Protection Center in overseeing waste management operations, overseeing the dismantling and liquidation of demolished nuclear facilities associated with the previous Iraqi nuclear program, and overseeing the center's protocols for preventing the spread of radioactive contamination. 

"The center was able to remove many radioactive pollutants with central government support," he continued, adding that "work is underway to remove it through scientific and technical measures through the implementation of the national plan for the removal of radioactive pollution in Iraq, which was approved by the esteemed Council of Ministers and began funding it in 2023." He also mentioned that "there are areas that are still witnessing radioactive contamination."  
 
"Director General of the Nuclear Energy Agency Rafael Grossi, along with a delegation of IAEA experts, confirmed during his recent visit to Iraq that the Agency assesses the needs and strives to furnish these capable Iraqi bodies with all the necessary support for the accomplishment of their tasks," the statement reads.  

In particular, he emphasized that "we are keen to achieve the establishment of a peaceful nuclear program in Iraq, which is one of the pillars on which we rely in our cooperation with it," and that "Tuwaitha, which was once a global concern, now symbolizes a hopeful path towards successful treatment."
 
  "One of the priorities of working with Iraq is turning the page on the past and cleaning Iraq of its effects," he continued.
 
 "Over the past years, technical cooperation programs and projects have contributed to developing the regulatory work system through the legislation of laws, instructions, and controls for the control of radiological and nuclear activities," he continued. "They have also helped to promote the optimal and safe use of radiological and nuclear technology at the national level."