(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) VIENNA, Dec 2 (KUNA) -- Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi on Monday took the helm as new Secretary General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
During a speech at the extraordinary conference of the Agency, Grossi said that he would do his utmost to accelerate and expand the IAEA's contribution to peace and healthcare, as well as strengthen technical cooperation and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
IAEA's work goes beyond monitoring nuclear activities of countries, he pointed out.
Grossi is assuming his job in a sensitive timing, where Iran is under intense pressure over its failure to comply with certain provisions of the nuclear deal.
The relationship between the Agency and Iran is witnessing difficulties; it culminated in Iran's recent expulsion of an IAEA inspector.
Iran also threatened to minimize its nuclear cooperation if the sanctions are not lifted.
Grossi started his experience on the nuclear field during a collaboration between the Argentine Foreign Service and INVAP. Between 1997 and 2000, he was the President of the UN Group of Government Experts on the International Weapons Registry, and later became adviser to the Assistant Secretary General of the UN on disarmament.
He is succeeding Japan's Yukiya Amano, who passed away in July this year. (end)
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