Sahinbas: "Turkey Needs Nuclear Energy"

"More than half of current energy demand in Turkey is depended on imported resources," Sahinbas said and noted, "Turkey considers nuclear energy as one of alternative resources of electricity generation."

Touching on activities of IAEA and its efforts to prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons, Sahinbas said, "Turkey supports supervision of IAEA on nuclear weapons," adding, "preservation and strengthening of international regime for prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons are very important. Within that scope, we support the role of agency and its supervision."

Sahinbas said, "Turkey supports international efforts which are exerted in fight against every kind of terrorism including nuclear terrorism." He added, "Turkey hosts national and regional education programs to contribute to activities of the agency in this area."

Noting, "Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) conference, which was held upon the initiative of the United States in Vienna last week, is a positive step," Sahinbas said, "Turkey has supported the final statement of the conference."

Recalling, "Turkey provides financial contribution to technical assistance program which is carried out under IAEA structure for developing countries," Sahinbas said, "we believe this program has an important contribution for use of nuclear energy in peaceful means and for providing sustainable development."

The 48th General Assembly of IAEA in Vienna will end on September 24th.