IAEA’s 2007 Year in Review

Oh what a year. The IAEA recently put out an interesting “2007 Year in Review” that includes nuclear-related events and developments involving global security, environmental, and economic issues. Highlighted below are those most directly connected to nuclear weapons and nonproliferation issues.

January

• Authorities in the Republic of Georgia report the seizure of illicit nuclear material during a past "sting operation" of nearly 80 grams of high-enriched uranium.
• At the World Economic Forum, IAEA Director General ElBaradei calls for a "timeout" regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, urging all parties to emphasize negotiations.

February

• IAEA Director General ElBaradei accepts an invitation from the Democratic People´s Republic of Korea (DPRK/North Korea) to visit the DPRK for talks in March.

March

• IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei briefs the press on nuclear inspections in Iran, an issue before the Agency´s Board of Governors.
• An IAEA delegation headed by Dr. ElBaradei concludes a visit to North Korea.

June

• At meetings of the IAEA Board of Governors, Dr. ElBaradei reports on the latest nuclear inspections in Iran.
• An IAEA report presents a range of options for a new multilateral framework for assuring supplies of nuclear fuel while minimizing proliferation risks.
• The IAEA and Iran jointly announce a work plan that will address all outstanding issues regarding Iran´s nuclear programme.

July

• The IAEA Board okays the return of IAEA safeguards inspectors to North Korea to verify the shutdown of the Yongbyon nuclear facility, in line with a report approved by the Board of Governors.
• An IAEA delegation reports on its visit to Iran regarding the work plan for resolving outstanding nuclear issues.
• Experts from the IAEA assist Brazil with nuclear security measures at the Pan-American games hosting thousands of the world´s top athletes.

August

• A July earthquake in Japan caused limited damage to the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power station, IAEA experts report.
  

September

• The IAEA Illicit Trafficking Database (ITDB) reports that fourteen incidents of nuclear trafficking involving unauthorized possession and related criminal activity took place during 2006.
• Many of the world´s top authorities look into the nuclear crystal ball at an IAEA Scientific Forum examining nuclear development over the next quarter century.
• The International Nuclear Safety Group - top nuclear safety officials from 14 countries and organizations - meets to review top issues involving nuclear plants and other facilities.

October

• No country should have to rely on nuclear weapons for security under a global framework envisaged by IAEA Director General.

November

• The IAEA Board considers developments related to nuclear safeguards in Iran and North Korea, among other topics.
• India and the IAEA start consultations on a new safeguards agreement.
• Nuclear security and development are the focus of IAEA Director General Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei´s official visit to Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay.

December

• A new US intelligence estimate on Iran´s nuclear programme is received with "great interest" by Dr. ElBaradei.
• Under tight security and IAEA safeguards, a night-time operation in Prague sends high-enriched uranium back to Russia, which supplied the fuel decades ago.