Nuke energy for peaceful use only if safeguards are in place: G-8 leaders

By Mrityunjay Singh

Toyako (Japan), July 8 (ANI): The peaceful use of nuclear energy can only be permitted if appropriate safeguards are in place, said the leaders of the Group of Eight (G-8) nations in a Summit declaration here today.

After exhaustively deliberating over the issue of climate change and environment protection, and assessing the steps needed to contain global warming over the next 50 years, the G-8 leaders said that they were aware that a growing number of countries have expressed their interests in nuclear power programs as a means to address climate change and energy security concerns.

While acknowledging that these countries regarded nuclear power as an essential instrument in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, they reiterated that "safeguards (nuclear non-proliferation), nuclear safety and nuclear security (3S) are fundamental principles for the peaceful use of nuclear energy."

Against this background, they said that the international initiative proposed by Japan on 3S-based nuclear energy infrastructure would be launched.

They also affirmed the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in this process. (ANI)