Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
CABINET has adopted the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs’ decision to accede to various international protocols on nuclear energy.
The protocols include Joint Protocol relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention, International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage.
Addressing Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere – who was standing in for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa – said by acceding to these, Zimbabwe will enjoy maximum international financial security against damage resulting from the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
He added that ratification will allow local courts to have jurisdiction in matters arising from nuclear damage incidents, with their judgments binding internationally, among other benefits.
“The country will have an effective foundation for the regulatory and legislative framework for nuclear incidents, improvement in Zimbabwe compliance to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) legal instruments and to international laws in general, cooperation with other States in the development of effective technical and legal frameworks to combat nuclear terrorism and promotion of international peace and security through prevention of nuclear terrorism,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter