Saudi Arabia will not adopt the UN nuclear watchdog’s full Additional Protocol under its planned civilian nuclear cooperation deal with the United States.
However, the IAEA chief said that the Kingdom would offer similar inspection powers over sensitive activities.
The US and Saudi Arabia agreed in July to cooperate on civilian nuclear energy, paving the way for Riyadh to enrich uranium and develop nuclear reactors using US technology.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the Additional Protocol remained the preferred arrangement, but Saudi Arabia was preparing measures that would go beyond its existing obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the agency.
“During the consultations and preparation process, several provisions have been incorporated into the bilateral agreement that will provide the agency with additional verification and monitoring authorities,” Grossi told reporters at a press conference.
He said the measures would cover sensitive nuclear activities including uranium conversion, enrichment and reprocessing, which can be used to separate plutonium from spent reactor fuel.
Grossi said the proposed arrangements would give the IAEA inspection and monitoring capabilities “very, very similar” to those provided under the Additional Protocol, although he did not provide further details.
Once completed, the bilateral agreement between the IAEA and Saudi Arabia will be submitted to the agency’s 35-member Board of Governors, Grossi said.
