Non-proliferation and safeguards aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle

The annual reports published by the IAEA show that the IAEA Safeguards System is efficient. This has likewise been stated by the NPT Review Conferences. So there is no reason for the 140 member states to express doubts as to the efficiency of the international nuclear materials safeguards system; the various measures and activities provided for by the system represent a tight network of material accounting, measurement, surveillance, containment, inspection, and plant design verification, thus guaranteeing detection of diversion of material, and a significantly deterring effect. The system is characterized by a high degree of flexibility. Continuous evolution and improvement of the system due to experience gained, and adaption for coping with new problems are daily routine for the Inspectorate. Critics frequently do not take into account the fact that the political and technical standards of performance and efficiency of controls are not set by individual states, institutions or groups, but emanate from the process of mutual discussion and agreement in the international community, i.e. among member states, who maintain contact with and take advice from the IAEA experts. (orig./HP)