The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) completed a two-week nuclear security advisory mission on Friday in Ecuador, which was requested by the country, a statement from the IAEA reveals.
According to the IAEA, the scope of the two-week International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission included the legislative and regulatory framework for the security of radioactive material, regulatory licensing, inspection, and enforcement as well as coordination among authorities and other stakeholders involved in nuclear security.
'Peaceful nuclear applications have contributed to the economic, technological and scientific development of Ecuador,' Ruben Barreno Ramos, the vice minister for Electricity and Renewable Energy of Ecuador was quoted as saying.
'Throughout this process, Ecuador has been aware of the importance of nuclear security in the application of nuclear science and technology, as well as the IAEA's guidance documents and international good practices,' Ramos added.
The team visited a steel company that uses gamma radiography, two hospitals, the National Polytechnic University and a company that transports radioactive material. In addition, the team visited a temporary storage facility for disused radioactive sources in Aloag, a town about 50 kilometers south of the capital, Quito.
The team observed that 'Ecuador is making efforts towards enhancing its national nuclear security regime,' the statement read.
The team also provided recommendations and suggestions to support Ecuador in enhancing and sustaining nuclear security.
'The preparation for the IPPAS mission and the advice given by the international team provide a solid basis for the further improvement of our nuclear security regime,' Rodrigo Salas, head of the Undersecretariat for Nuclear Control and Applications, was quoted as saying.
By Huseyin Erdogan
Anadolu Agency
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