Year
2004
Abstract
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s evaluation of additional protocol declarations is based on information from a variety of sources. Inspection activities, design information verification, and complementary access provide the fundamental basis for the evaluation process, but this information is supplemented by open-source information, nuclear material accounting reports, and commercial satellite imagery. Integrating these information sources and conducting a comprehensive analysis is necessary to evaluate additional protocol declarations. This evaluation process is an essential part of the strengthened safeguards system and is a prerequisite for qualifying a State for the application of integrated safeguards. This paper summarizes the IAEA’s progress in incorporating open source information, nuclear material accounting reports, and commercial satellite imagery in the information analysis process, identifies remaining challenges, and outlines new initiatives.