Qatar Reaffirms Strong Condemnation of Attack on Barakah Nuclear Power Plant

Vienna: The State of Qatar has renewed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attack that targeted the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing that targeting peaceful nuclear facilities constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the fundamental principles of nuclear safety and security. According to Bahrain News Agency, the remarks were made in a statement delivered by Jassim Yaqoub Al Hammadi, Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Vienna, during an emergency session of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The session was convened at the request of several Arab member states to discuss the implications of the attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on May 17. Ambassador Al Hammadi stated that Qatar participated in the joint statement delivered by the UAE's Assistant Minister of Fo reign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability. This statement was made on behalf of the UAE, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the State of Kuwait. Additionally, Qatar participated in another statement presented during the emergency session. Qatar's Permanent Representative expressed appreciation to the Arab members of the Board of Governors, including Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, Jordan, and the Kingdom of Morocco, for requesting the emergency session and leading the preparatory consultations. He reiterated Qatar's condemnation in the strongest terms of the attack carried out by armed groups using drones against the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. He reaffirmed the country's full and steadfast solidarity with the government and people of the UAE, stressing that the security and stability of the UAE are integral to the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and regional security as a whole. The Ambassador noted tha t an attack on an operational nuclear facility carries serious risks due to the potential threats it poses to civilians, the environment, and regional and international security. He warned that the consequences of such attacks could reach the level of radiological disasters. He commended the IAEA's swift response in monitoring the situation and in analysing and assessing its impact. He also commended the continued efforts of the agency's Director General in monitoring developments related to nuclear safety and security, welcoming his clear statement that nuclear sites and facilities must never be targeted in military activities under any circumstances. Ambassador Al Hammadi concluded Qatar's statement by emphasizing that the sanctity of civilian nuclear infrastructure is a well-established international principle and a collective responsibility that requires a firm stance from the international community. He stressed that dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international agreements and resolutions are the only sustainable paths to achieving comprehensive peace and stability in the region.