The Positions for the International Atomic Energy Agency

The Lebanese Republic

The Positions for the International Atomic Energy Agency

I. Enhancing Safety and Security Standards of Nuclear Power Facilities

Properly conducting safety and security operations of nuclear power facilities is of utmost importance to the Lebanese Republic, which looks forward to approaching this topic with increased cooperation on a multilateral scale. Our government recognizes the right of Member States to develop and apply peaceful applications of nuclear energy, granted it be in accordance with the measures set by the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA). Since the end of the Cold War, Lebanon has been committed to ensuring a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, beginning with our own initiative to limit the use of Nuclear Power Facilities. In fact, the majority of radioactive usage within Lebanon is considered to be medical, with 88 percent of all radiation sources emanating from this sector. Domestically, our Government has established the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC), with the responsibility of preparing safety regulations and conducting the implementation of applicable international standards. Additionally, the LAEC has been “committed to conducting regular inspection of the facilities using radiation sources for verification of radiation protection measures pertaining to the authorized practices” as stated in the National Report related to the Convention of Nuclear Safety of 2016. We have also developed a comprehensive Country Program Framework for the development of radiation safety infrastructure via the implementation of a radiation early warning system, in accordance with LEB9005 - Establishing a Radiation Early Warning Network System of the Technical Cooperation (TC) program. This measure is aimed at minimizing all risk associated with the malfunction of radioactive facilities within our borders. Regionally, the Lebanese Republic has worked cooperatively with its neighbors to further the peaceful and secure use of nuclear energy. Recently, our concern for the safety of nuclear power facilities within conflict zones, namely Syria, has grown. In 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) took control of the DairAlzour nuclear reactor plant, gaining access to uranium, of which the location is unknown. Additionally, Syria’s uranium stockpile may exceed 50,000 kilograms and the location of this stockpile is unknown to regional and international institutions, according to a report by the Institute for Science and International Security. In order to properly address this threat, we are an active member of the Arab Network of Nuclear Regulators (ANNuR), set forth to strengthen and synchronize the regulatory infrastructure of Arab Member States while increasing the exchange of information and experiences. We have been steadfast in our support of Objective I of the ANNuR Strategic Plan 2016-2020, to establish and develop national regulatory agencies within Arab Member States as to effectively strengthen the safety standards put forth by the IAEA. The Lebanese Delegation to ANNuR recently participated in the Regional Workshop on the Regulatory Framework for Nuclear Facilities and utilized the experiences of our own nation’s implementation of regulatory framework as a guide for Member States working towards this effort. Internationally, the Lebanese Republic recognizes the potential of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network(GNSSN) and its ability to engage Member States in the distribution of information and training in regards to nuclear safety standards. This resource allows for Member States to improve their emergency preparedness in regard to nuclear incidents, as well as the prevention of internal and external threats to nuclear infrastructure. Additionally, the Lebanese delegation to the 61st General Conference was a signatory to GC(61)/RES/9 (2017), concerning nuclear security. We view this document as a crucial component to enhancing the security of nuclear power facilities, as well as strengthening the regulatory framework of Member States. As we have seen in the tragic incidents of Chernobyl and the 2011 Fukushima plant meltdown, nuclear power plants must be able to withstand internal malfunction, as well as external forces. The prevention of malfunctions like these will minimize the negative impact nuclear practice could have. The Lebanese Republic recommends the enactment and improvement of legislation pertaining to nuclear safety and security that encourages multilateral cooperation. This should be done in cooperation with regional institutions, as well as the international community as a whole. Additionally, we believe that adequate funding for the IAEA, as well as regional institutions, will increase the efficiency and capabilities of the Agency and its mission to the global community. Furthermore, we call on Member States to increase the security of relevant mechanisms that handle information pertaining to radioactive material sites. By allowing for sensitive information related to nuclear power facilities to fall into the hands of rogue elements, we are putting the safety of these facilities, as well as the safety of our populations at risk.

II. Developing Solutions and Promoting Cooperation for the Disposal of Nuclear Waste

The Lebanese Republic views cooperation for the disposal of nuclear waste as one of the most important aspects of developing solutions towards a more secure method of removal. We recognize the need and right of each Member State to dispose of their nuclear waste in a safe and responsible manner. Domestically, Lebanon’s biggest source of nuclear waste comes from medically-related procedures, such as the treatment of cancerous tumors. In 2009, a source of Cobalt-60 high radioactive waste was safely removed from under a Lebanese hospital and secured with the help and cooperation of both the IAEA and the Russian Federation. Originally sourcing from an irradiator used in an agricultural project, the waste was abandoned and forgotten for nearly a decade. As a risk that cannot be taken again, Lebanon strives to promote the nuclear safety and security across the Lebanese territories, particularly within the scope of nuclear waste disposal. Additionally, as a nation that is situated amidst the geopolitical turmoil of the Middle East, we are fully aware of the dangers that unmanaged nuclear waste can create, affecting the people, the environment, and the stability of domestic institutions. Regionally, we have strived to work cooperatively with our neighbors to research, innovate, and conduct the safe removal and disposal of nuclear waste. Through the training of technical staff from both the public and private sector dealing with safety measures of ionized radiation, Lebanon has brought together members from the Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA), regional universities, and research centers to develop sound methods of safely disposing nuclear waste. In 2009, the LAEC, in cooperation with the IAEA and Beirut Arab University, launched the Radiation Protection and Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources diploma program. Since its inception, 25 members from domestic and regional institutions have participated in this program and brought their experiences back to their hospitals, industries, research, and regulatory institutions. We believe that our experiences with hosting research and educational workshops dedicated to the secure disposal of nuclear waste should serve as a guideline for other regions and their Member States. Additionally, with the cooperation ofMember States within the Middle Eastern Region, the AAEA has worked towards prohibiting the potential creation of radiological “dirty bombs” by terrorist organizations such as ISIL. Through the proper management and disposal of nuclear waste, the region has successfully worked towards limiting malicious access to the necessary components for such weapons. Internationally, the Lebanese delegation to the IAEA has worked tirelessly to promote solutions and partnerships among the international community to develop sufficient mechanisms and methods of disposing nuclear waste. The IAEA has been a proactive facilitator of this cause, as seen in the numerous international projects the Agency held in cooperation with Member States. The PRISM and PRISMA Project(s), running from 2009 to 2012 and from 2013 to 2016 respectively, aimed at the development and use of the safety case for near surface disposal of radioactive wastes. Near-surface disposal is a viable solution to proper disposal of low-level waste (LLW), being both cost-effective and efficient. Subsequently, LLW makes up 88% of nuclear waste in Lebanon and although high-level waste management may seem like a higher priority, mismanaging LLW can create harmful conditions as well. Since 2012, our nation has worked with the IAEA through the TC program to implement RAS9071 - Establishing a Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructure. We believe that this international development program is key to building a safer framework for the removal of radioactive waste and we strongly recommend that all Member States work through the IAEA-TC program in fulfilling the standards outlined in GC(61)/RES/9 (2017). We firmly believe that this is the best course of action for developing Member States and those without the capability to dispose of such waste efficiently. Furthermore, we call on Member States to develop near-surface disposal sites for LLW and long-lived intermediate-level radioactive waste (ILW), as this is the most straightforward method and can be implemented in any nation. Additionally, we call on those nations with long-lived ILW and high level radioactive waste (HLW) to investigate the in-country potential for deep geological disposal sites and implement these mechanisms and facilities according to international standards. Furthermore, if a Member State has assessed the viability of the aforementioned recommendation and found it to be inadequate, we call on this committee to identify international deep geological repository sites that can be utilized by these Member States. Furthermore, the Lebanese Republic urges for the cooperation between the IAEA and regional atomic agencies, such as the AEAA, in order to assist in solving region-specific issues as well as preventing the potential damage of nuclear waste mismanagement. Whether it be through education and training opportunities or an increase in monetary aid, the stable disposal of nuclear waste around the globe should be a top priority for the international community. We commend the IAEA in its work, however, there is a higher standard that can only be met through the unity between the Member States within this committee. The Lebanese Republic is set on working adamantly with any like-minded delegations to alleviate the problems posed by this body’s topics.