Seoul: South Korea has shown a "full" and "unambiguous" commitment to nonproliferation, the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog stated, emphasizing the necessity of "ironclad" assurances that initiatives such as its nuclear-powered submarine project are unrelated to nuclear weapons.
According to Yonhap News Agency, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the importance of collaborating with the agency to ensure such programs progress with a safeguard arrangement in line with IAEA standards. Grossi, during a press conference on his two-day visit to Seoul, mentioned that South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho assured him of the Republic of Korea's (ROK) commitment to nuclear nonproliferation.
Grossi highlighted the significance of these assurances in preventing a global perception of an unchecked race towards nuclear weapons. Seoul seeks to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under a joint summit agreement with the United States, aiming for advancements in uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for civil purposes. This move challenges Seoul to build international trust that these efforts focus on enhancing naval capabilities and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Minister Cho has firmly dismissed concerns over nuclear latency.
Grossi noted the necessity of providing an "ironclad guarantee" that the activities are not conducive to nuclear proliferation. He was scheduled to meet with Minister Cho to discuss the commencement of conversations between the IAEA and South Korea on the matter, acknowledging that these processes are gradual.
Regarding North Korea, Grossi reported no detected signs of a possible transfer of Russian nuclear technology to Pyongyang following their military alignment, though he cautioned that it is premature for a definitive judgment. While the IAEA has references to civilian nuclear projects in North Korea, nothing related to nuclear weapons has been observed. Despite limitations due to the expulsion of IAEA inspectors in 2009, Grossi reaffirmed the agency's assessment of increased sophistication in North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
Grossi expressed the IAEA's commitment to contributing technically to assessments of North Korea's nuclear programs and noted the agency's attention to the possibility of resuming dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea.
As a candidate for the next U.N. secretary-general, Grossi remarked on the critical timing of the upcoming selection process, highlighting the need to restore trust and effectiveness in the U.N. amid global conflicts and tensions. He emphasized the importance of multilateral institutions and expressed willingness to initiate efforts to enhance the U.N.'s credibility and effectiveness if elected.