Vienna,Renewed global interest in nuclear power and the ongoing nuclear dispute with Iran are expected to dominate the annual gathering of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) starting here Monday, though it is unclear whether there would be talks of IAEA safeguards at Indian facilities.

At the IAEA's 51st such meet, its 144 member states will celebrate the 50th birthday of the UN nuclear watchdog.

Nuclear safety and security will be given broad scope in the discussions, producing little cause for disagreement on the big picture.

The ongoing dispute over Iran's nuclear programme remains an underlying theme of the meeting, but with the latest IAEA-Iran agreement in place, no open controversy is expected. Nonetheless the ongoing diplomatic wrangling throws a shadow over the IAEA's jubilee.

It remains unclear whether there will be discussions of the application of IAEA safeguards at Indian facilities. There has been no formal application for talks yet by the Indian government, IAEA diplomats said. Informal discussions on the sidelines of the meeting are, however, likely.

India's communists continue their pressure on the government against the Indo-US nuclear deal, threatening to quit the government coalition should the deal go ahead.

US-sponsored talks on the so-called Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP), with several energy ministers from participating are also on the anvil. Diplomats expect several nations to join the existing GNEP members Russia, Japan, China, the US and France.

GNEP aims at relieving participating states of the necessity of developing their own fuel cycles, and thereby lowering the risk of nuclear proliferation, by providing fuel assurances, technology support and guarantees to handle spent fuel.

EMAIL THIS NEWS COMMENTS No comments yet