Cooperation between SSACs/RSACs and the IAEA Under the State-Level Concept: An Evolving Process

The introduction of the State-Level Concept will affect the role of the State and Regional Systems for the Accounting and Control of nuclear materials (SSACs/RSACs). The State-Level Concept seeks to tailor safeguards activities in a specific state accordingly. In order to effectively implement the concept and to further establish the State-Level Concept, collaboration between SSACs/RSACs and the IAEA is extremely important. The implementation of such a concept is a process that will require effort from all parties involved. The cultivation of an optimal relationship between operators and national/governmental authorities and also between SSACs/RSACs and the IAEA is an evolving process. Benefits of the State-Level Concept as well as the roles and responsibilities must be made clear to all parties involved. Acknowledging the uniqueness and diversity of SSACs/RSACs is a first step, followed by the implementation of confidence-building measures that result from an efficient communication process, and finally building a transparent technical cooperation program. This paper analyses various aspects of the complex relationship among all parties involved in the implementation of the State-Level Concept: operators, national authorities, government agencies, SSACs/RSACs, and the IAEA. The authors analyze the intricate network of possibilities to improve cooperation and discuss issues involving the provision of additional and voluntary information by SSACs/RSACs to the IAEA.