The Argentinian Rafael Grossi, who stood out by rising to the front line in the Iranian and Ukrainian files, was renewed until 2027 at the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The only candidate, the 62-year-old diplomat, was nominated on Friday by acclamation by the 35 members of the Board of Governors, the UN body, based in Vienna, Austria, announced in a statement.
An appointment formally confirmed in September
His appointment must be formally ratified in September by the General Assembly of the IAEA, which brings together 176 countries. “I am deeply honored by the unanimous decision of the Council to grant me a new mandate (…) at a time when we are facing many challenges”, reacted Rafael Grossi.
He had succeeded at the end of 2019 to the Japanese Yukiya Amano, who died a few months earlier at the age of 72 while leading the nuclear policeman since 2009. First representative of South America brought to lead the IAEA since its creation in 1957, this former Argentine ambassador to Austria knew how to impose a daring style during a turbulent first mandate. Polyglot and father of eight children, the media-loving diplomat did not hesitate to go in person to the Zaporijjia power plant in Ukraine last year to install inspectors there.
Grossi warns of the danger of a nuclear catastrophe
Rafael Grossi continues to warn of the danger of a nuclear disaster and has been pleading for months for a protection zone. His consultations have yielded nothing so far. He has also been very active on the Iranian nuclear issue, going to Tehran on several occasions to try to restore dialogue against a backdrop of strong tensions.
The IAEA is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the commitments made by Tehran under the nuclear agreement concluded in 2015 in Vienna with the major powers and now moribund. Several diplomats praised his action on Twitter on Friday, like the American ambassador Laura Holgate. “He has shown extraordinary leadership qualities in major and historic trials faced by the Agency,” she wrote.