The director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, emphasized the importance of acknowledging North Korea’s possession of nuclear weapons and advocating for dialogue despite the country’s violations of U.N. sanctions and international law. Grossi cautioned against entirely shutting the door on engagement with Kim Jong Un’s regime, questioning whether this approach has effectively addressed the situation or potentially escalated tensions further.
Since North Korea became a de facto nuclear power in 2006, its nuclear program has considerably expanded without much international engagement. While condemning North Korea’s violations of Security Council sanctions and international law, Grossi stressed the need to move beyond talking past each other and consider proactive dialogue as a means to address the situation.
Grossi highlighted the necessity for careful diplomatic efforts to rebuild trust and engage in meaningful dialogue with North Korea. He suggested that discussions on nuclear safety could serve as a potential avenue for engagement with Pyongyang.
Recent revelations of a secret facility in North Korea for producing weapons-grade uranium provided rare insight into the country’s nuclear program. Grossi affirmed the IAEA’s comprehensive analysis of Pyongyang’s nuclear activities and underscored the lack of visibility in adhering to international nuclear safety standards at North Korean nuclear facilities.
Amidst concerns over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, Grossi also addressed the broader issue of increasing nuclear arsenals in other countries. He noted investments in military technologies and nuclear weapons by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the modernization of the U.S. nuclear weapons program, and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warning against any conventional attack backed by a nuclear power.
Grossi expressed concern over the potential implications of Putin’s recent statements on Russia’s nuclear doctrine, signaling a lowering of the threshold for nuclear weapon use. He acknowledged that various countries consider hypothetical scenarios that may trigger nuclear responses, emphasizing the need for international attention to such developments.
Regarding reports of a possible attack on Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, Grossi acknowledged President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s concerns but noted the lack of specific information. Notwithstanding the challenging circumstances, the IAEA maintains staff at all nuclear power plants in Ukraine to oversee safety and security measures.
In light of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions, Grossi emphasized the critical role of nuclear safety in maintaining regional and global stability. He highlighted the importance of dialogue and communication between nuclear-armed nations to prevent the escalation of crises with far-reaching consequences.
