(Eagle News) — The Philippines closed the 61st General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria with a resolution condemning the six nuclear tests conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), including the latest on September 3.
The Philippines joined 74 other Member States in co-sponsoring the resolution with Canada. Adopted by consensus, the Resolution calls on North Korea to comply with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, come into full compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The resolution also called on North Korea to cooperate fully with the IAEA in the implementation of comprehensive safeguards, and cease all its nuclear activities, including the building of its nuclear forces.
Ambassador Angara-Collinson was elected president by acclamation by the 169 member states of the IAEA. She presided over the Conference which lasted for five days, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The conference passed 11 resolutions on various aspects of nuclear power – verification, safety, safeguards, security, science and technology and peaceful applications.
Ambassador Angara-Collinson closed the IAEA conference on September 22, according to a DFA release dated September 26.
She was the “first Filipino female diplomat to be elected President of the IAEA,” the DFA said.
The 61st IAEA General Conference was attended by one Head of State, one Vice President, thirty-three Ministers, ambassadors, scientists and experts.
Throughout the week delegates were able to attend a selection of over 50 side-events showcasing activities and special programs by the IAEA Secretariat, as well as several Member States, including a two-day Scientific Forum focusing on how nuclear science can play a vital role in the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of major diseases, and improve health and well-being.
H.M. King Letsie III of Lesotho was the guest of honor at the Forum and gave the keynote address.