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| Atomic Energy Head at Fletcher Calls for Greater Inter-dependence Among World Powers | ||||||
May 22, 2003 Contact: Terry Ann Knopf FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 617-627-2778 At a time when the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] has been publicly critical of the Bush Administration for its refusal to let UN inspectors back into Iraq to look for nuclear weapons in Iraq, Dr. Mohammed ElBaradei, the IAEA's Director General, spoke at the Fletcher School address May 18, sounding a call for greater "inter-dependence" on crucial global issues such as nuclear weapons. In a speech entitled "Security in an Interdependent World," Dr. ElBaradei said that inter-dependence has become "the key feature of our modern world," and argued that the problems of global warming, Internet communication, the global economy, the war on terrorism, and even the outbreak of SARS, necessitate a multilateral approach. The speech and a news briefing earlier held by Dr. ElBaradei drew considerable media attention afterward, with stories carried in The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France Presse. Dr. ElBaradei's remarks were also was picked up by news outlets domestically for instance, The Tulsa (Oklahoma) World, and abroad as well [Tass news Agency]. Established as an autonomous organization under the United Nations in 1957, the IAEA serves as the world's foremost technical intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation on nuclear technology. Since 1991 and until the war in Iraq, the IAEA has carried out inspections in Iraq pursuant to United Nations Security Council resolutions which give it a mandate in Iraq requiring two tasks: [1] uncovering and dismantling Iraq's clandestine nuclear program, and [2] developing and implementing an ongoing monitoring and verification plan. Noting that nations have remained "disconnected" on important issues, Dr. ElBaradei said: "We think globally in terms of trade, but we continue to think locally in terms of violent conflicts. We cherish our connectivity on the Web, but our solidarity is less visible in matters of extreme poverty and repression." He said only when such a "mindset" was changed in recognition that "human security is global and interdependent," would the world achieve peace and justice. Dr. ElBaradei said that the vaunted "new world order" after the end of the Cold War had not been achieved and decried the new dangers that have replaced superpower rivalries/ including ethnic conflicts, global terrorism and the proliferation weapons of mass destruction which has emerged as "the currency of ultimate power." "Several thousands of nuclear weapons continue to exist, and more countries — at least eight or nine by the last count — are in possession of nuclear weapons, with others suspected of working to acquire them," he said. "Still other countries have opted for the ‘poor man’s alternative’ by pursuing the acquisition of chemical and biological weapons. And in the aftermath of the events of 11 Sept. 2001, the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction gained a new dimension: the prospect of sub-national terrorist groups seeking to acquire and use these weapons. Dr. ElBaradei spoke mostly in generalities and did not single out the Bush administration by name. Still, there was little doubt as to whom he was targeting when he raised a series of pointed questions about the "pre-emptive strike" doctrine and the unilateralist approach employed by the United States in its war on terrorism. "Must we conclude that the pre-emptive use of force to smother perceived threats to security is the new norm and model to pursue? Must we conclude that it is futile to rely on a collective, rule-based system of peace and security?" he asked rhetorically, adding: "I certainly hope not But reliance on a system of collective security, in which international law is the organizing principle, will require bold thinking, a willingness to work together, and sustained effort — and it will require states and societies to see, think and act multilaterally. While circumspect during his speech, Dr. ElBaradei's frustration over the US refusal to let UN inspectors back in Iraq surfaced during a small luncheon in his honor after his speech. "After the last year," he said, choking up, "we have been a lonely voice preaching internationalism and common sense. To be here with people who share the sane values is a wonderful experience." |
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