It is 65 years since the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were obliterated in just a few moments by the most lethal bombs the world had ever seen.
As a human being – and particularly as a citizen of the only country ever to suffer such a nuclear catastrophe –
I believe with all my heart and soul that these horrific weapons must be eliminated.
It is right and proper to mark these anniversaries with solemn words of remembrance. It is also a time to renew our commitment to concrete action.
And so as Director General of the IAEA I am making my own, personal commitment to redouble efforts towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
There are four elements to this commitment:
First. With its knowledge and experience, the IAEA will work to facilitate the implementation of disarmament – for example by helping to build confidence through verifying independently that nuclear materials from dismantled weapons are never again used for military purposes.
The Agency played this role in 1993, when South Africa turned its back on nuclear weapons. It is ready, where called on, to play its part again. |
