|
|
-
China and France, both nuclear-weapon States, announce intention to sign
the NPT.
- UN
coalition of States militarily moves against Iraq to enforce UN Security
Council resolutions
demanding Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait, which
it invaded in August 1990.
- In April, as part of ceasefire terms
of the Gulf War, inspections are required for weapons-of-mass destruction. A
UN Special Commission is formed and the IAEA is granted wide authority
for
nuclear
inspections in Iraq, which begin in May.
- In September,
international headlines are made by sixth IAEA inspection team, which
is
detained for four days by Iraqi authorities. Security Council
is engaged to resolve dispute and team subsequently leaves with evidence
of a clandestine Iraqi programme for the enrichment of uranium, including
global procurement efforts.
- Results
of the International
Chernobyl Project are reported that assess the radiological situation
in 2225 settlements in three republics (Belarus, Russia, Ukraine), covering
about 825,000 people.
- In
June, an IAEA project on the safety
of older Soviet-designed nuclear plants in Bulgaria,
Czech Republic,
Slovakia and Russia reports serious safety deficiencies at most plants
compared to Western levels. Assistance is expanded through the Commission
of the European Communities, World Association of Nuclear Operators,
and other avenues.
- In
December, USSR officially dissolves; Commonwealth
of Independent States is announced.
|
