Nuclear nonproliferation and safety: Challenges facing the International Atomic Energy Agency

Abstract

Abstract : The discovery of Iraq's nuclear weapons program, North Korea's refusal to permit the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct nuclear inspections (safeguards), and the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident have focused greater attention on nuclear proliferation and the safety of nuclear power plants. These issues are of particular concern to IAEA whose primary functions are to verify the peaceful use of nuclear material and to promote the use of nuclear energy. The Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs asked GAO to review IAEA's safeguards and nuclear power plant safety programs. This report examines (1) the effectiveness of IAEA's safeguards program and the adequacy of program funding, (2) the management of U.S. technical assistance to IAEA's safeguards program, and (3) the effectiveness of IAEA's program for advising member states about the safety of nuclear power plants and the adequacy of program funding.