The Hon Stephen Smith MP  AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Media Release

5 July, 2009

APPOINTMENT OF AMBASSADOR YUKIYA AMANO AS IAEA  DIRECTOR GENERAL

I warmly welcome the appointment by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic  Energy Agency (IAEA) of Ambassador Yukiya Amano as the next Director General of the  IAEA.

Ambassador Amano will be the first IAEA Director General from the Asia-Pacific region.

Ambassador Amano is currently Japan's Permanent Representative to the IAEA in Vienna.   He will bring to the position an impressive record of leadership, experience and expertise in  non-proliferation issues.

The IAEA has a vital role in working to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons through  its safeguards system.  It also promotes the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, in  a safe and secure manner.

As a member of the Board of Governors, Australia looks forward to working constructively  with Ambassador Amano, particularly in strengthening further the nuclear safeguards system,  advancing nuclear security and addressing the major proliferation challenges.

Ambassador Amano will succeed outgoing Director General Mohamed ElBaradei in  December 2009 for a four year term.



Media inquiries:

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500   Ã¢ÂÂ¢ Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555



