G8 Leaders Stress Safe, Peaceful Nuclear Development

Leaders of the Group of 8 countries (G8)singled out the IAEA´s key roles in tackling challenges of safe and peaceful nuclear development - including actions to address climate change - at their summit in Japan from 7-9 July 2008. In his summary statement of 9 July, Chairman Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister of Japan, pointed out rising interest among countries in nuclear power programmes as a means to address climate change and energy security concerns.

The countries regard nuclear power as an essential instrument in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and hence greenhouse gas emissions. It was reiterated that safeguards (nuclear non-proliferation), nuclear safety and nuclear security are fundamental principles for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. With regard to the Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India, the Chairman stated that G8 countries look forward to working with India, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other partners to advance India´s non-proliferation commitments and progress so as to facilitate a more robust approach to civil nuclear cooperation with India to help it meet its growing energy needs in a manner that enhances and reinforces the global non-proliferation regime.

G8 countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union also participates in the summit which takes place once a year. The next summit is scheduled for Maddalena, Italy in 2009.