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U. S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson today commended the 44th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on reducing nuclear risks, expanding the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and assuring the safe, secure and transparent disposition of spent fuel and radioactive wastes. He called on the delegates to continue working towards a better safer world. In a related meeting, he signed an energy cooperation agreement with France.

"The IAEA is a global standard-bearer for nuclear peace, safety and security," said Secretary Richardson. "Today, with the IAEA's assistance, nuclear power plants provide heat and electricity to millions. Uses of atomic science in medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection are widespread. And the regime to beat back the spread of nuclear weaponry is as strong as ever."

Secretary Richardson also delivered a final message from President Clinton to the General Conference delegates. President Clinton addressed the assembly seven years ago during his first year in office.

In his remarks to the plenary session, Secretary Richardson reported on the great strides made by the United States and Russia to reduce nuclear proliferation risks. This includes the recent signing by Vice President Gore and Russian Prime Minister Kasyanov of the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement. The agreement will lead to the destruction of 68 metric tons of U.S. and Russian military-origin plutonium. The Secretary also noted progress in U.S.-Russian cooperation to secure nuclear weapon-usable materials and expertise, and to speed the conversion of Russia's nuclear weapons complex to peaceful, commercial production.

Secretary Richardson and the French Commissariat de l'Energie Atomique Chairman Colombani signed a nuclear technology research and development agreement during the conference. The agreement serves as an umbrella for the two agencies to conduct nuclear research and development in areas of common interest. These may include work on advanced reactor technologies, accelerator transmutation of waste and the sharing of research facilities.

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