Statement by Mr Foo Kok Jwee, Ambassador and Resident Representative of Singapore to the IAEA, at the Diplomatic Conference to consider a proposal to amend the Convention on Nuclear Safety, Vienna, 9 February 2015

Mr President,

               My delegation would like to express our appreciation to you and all Contracting Parties for their hard work in the drafting of the “Vienna Declaration on Nuclear Safety” and the preparation for this important Diplomatic Conference.

Mr President,

2             Nuclear safety is an issue of concern to all states, and not just states with nuclear installations.  Nuclear accidents know no boundaries and can quickly escalate into major trans-boundary problems due to the large radioactive releases.  These accidents affect people, food, water, human health and the environment and their effects can sometimes be felt across generations.  The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident has clearly demonstrated that there is no room for complacency when it comes to nuclear safety.

3             Smalls urban states like Singapore are especially vulnerable because of our geographical constraints.  We do not have the luxury of geographical depth in responding to an accident.  Singapore has therefore consistently supported constructive initiatives to strengthen the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS). 

4             At the 6^th CNS Review Meeting, a clear majority of Contracting Parties, including Singapore, voted in favour for the Swiss proposal to amend Article 18 of the Convention to be discussed at a Diplomatic Conference.  We have been supportive of this proposal since.

5             We had hoped that the Diplomatic Conference would yield a positive outcome with the Swiss amendment of the CNS.  This would have been a strong, positive signal to the public of our collective commitment to take concrete steps to raise the standards of global nuclear safety.  In this context, my delegation regrets that we were unable to discuss the proposed Swiss amendment at this Conference.

Mr President,

6             The process leading to this Diplomatic Conference has allowed us to better understand and appreciate one another’s perspectives.  Although the “Vienna Declaration on Nuclear Safety” is not legally binding, we note that it was adopted by consensus.  We now need to put our words and commitments into action.  Singapore strongly urges all Contracting Parties, in particular those with nuclear installations and those planning to embark on a civilian nuclear programme, to implement the safety objectives contained in the declaration expeditiously and in good faith.  The very public in our countries that we serve and protect against radiological risks deserve no less.

7             Thank you, Mr President. 

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