Vienna, Austria - The United States has expressed its approval of the Safeguards Implementation Report for 2024 at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting. Chargé d’Affaires Howard Solomon delivered the U.S. statement, emphasizing the importance of a robust safeguards system to international security.
The United States supports the Agency's initiatives to encourage states to update their safeguards agreements and protocols. "We welcome the IAEA’s decision to no longer draw a safeguards conclusion for states with an SQP based on the original standard text," Solomon stated, urging these states to amend or rescind outdated protocols.
Further praise was given to the IAEA's progress in developing state-level safeguards approaches. The focus on enhancing consistency through acquisition path coverage goals and performance targets was highlighted as a positive step forward.
Acknowledging challenges in implementation, Solomon said, "While we do not expect that longstanding challenges will be resolved quickly, we commend the Agency’s work assisting member states in overcoming barriers."
Particular attention was paid to Ukraine, where despite ongoing challenges, no proliferation concerns have been identified. Additionally, Solomon noted the section on naval nuclear propulsion and reaffirmed commitment from AUKUS partners towards high nonproliferation standards.
The U.S. concluded by expressing satisfaction with both the Safeguards Statement for 2024 and its accompanying documents.