ANNUAL REPORT

1989

IRAQI ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

CONTENTS

PREFACE

THE SECOND SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE OF IAEC

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION:

COOPERATION WITH THE IAEA

COOPERATION WITH HUNGARY

THE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT PROJECT - A PROGRESS REPORT

SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE UNIVERSITIES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DOCUMENTS: STATEMENT BY THE IRAQI MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ'S RATIFICATION OF THE TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (NPT)

PREFACE

This annual report covers the achievements and activities of the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) for the year 1989.

In November, the second scientific Conference of the IAEC was held in Baghdad under the theme "Atom and Peace." The full text of the opening speech by the representative of His Excellency Saddam Hussein, the President of the Republic of Iraq, addressing the Conference, is presented in the first chapter, which also contains a brief report highlighting the Conference scientific programme and other activities.

In the chapter on international cooperation the report briefly covers the continuous cooperation between IAEC and IAEA, and also the cooperation with the Kossuth University of Hungary. A short description of the progress achieved in the Nuclear Power Plant Project (NPPP) during the year, including joint activities with the IAEA, is presented in the next chapter.

During the year, several scientific conferences and meetings related to atomic energy were successfully organized in Iraq. These activities are also highlighted in this report.

Also presented are the contributions of the Iraqi universities and educational institutions in nuclear science and technology.

In the section on documents, the statement by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the twentieth anniversary of Iraq's ratification of the N. P. T. is included.

. . .

COOPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Since Iraq became a member of the IAEA in 1959, cooperation between the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission and this Organization has been growing.

Considerable advancement has been accomplished in different fields as described hereinafter:

1 - General Activities:

This year Iraq played an active role by attending all meetings of the Board of Governors. Iraq was elected as a member of the Board of Governors during the 33rd IAEA General Conference.

2 - Technical Assistance Projects:

The technical assistance projects between Iraq and IAEA are described as follows:

A - Nuclear Power Safety (IRQ / 9/004)

This is a multi-year project which was originallyapproved in 1980. IAEA assisted in the site selection of the nuclear power plant project (NPPP) indicated in the chapter on (NPPP). This project is still in progress.

B - Dosimetry and Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory(IRQ / 9/005).

The aim of this multi-year project has been to provide manpower development and to up-grade health physics services in Iraq. A substantial portion of this project has been accomplished, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 1990.

C - Environmental Monitoring in Arab Countries in the Middle East (RER / 9/ 003)

The Agency has offered some services under this multi-year project in the form of:

(1) - expert consultation,

(2) - equipment,

(3) - training of personnel, and

(4) - organizing scientific visits,

as needed in several Arab countries including Iraq.

This project is still in progress.

3 - Research Contracts:

The present valuable research contracts between the Iraqi scientists from the Nuclear Research Centre (NRC) in Tuwaitha and the IAEA have been carried out in the following fields:

A - Migration and Interaction of Radionulides in Radioactive Waste in major Iraqi soils (IAEA Research Contract no. 4668/RB). This project has been accomplished completely.

B - Development and Production of Tc-99m generator by Sublimation (IAEA Research Contract No. 4484 / RC). It is expected that this project will be completed by the end of 1990.

C - Nuclear Measurement Techniques (TC / INI /1/039). This project is partially completed.

D - Pilot - Scale Radiation Disinfestation of Dry Dates with Emphasis on Packaging (IAEA Research Contract NO. 2918/R3/CF) This project is completed.

4 - The Iraqi Government has signed a revised supplementary Agreement concerning the provision of Technical Assistance by the IAEA on 1st Oct., 1989.

5 - A Regional Workshop on Radiation Protection in the Industrial Application of Ionizing Radiation was held in Baghdad in Cooperation with the IAEA. On this occasion, Mr. M. Ridwan, Director of the Division of Technical Assistance and Cooperation, IAEA, made a statement (see chapter 5).

COOPERATION BETWEEN IAEC AND THE HUNGARIAN KOSSUTH UNIVERSITY

In the frame of bilateral cooperation between Iraq and Hungary, Prof. Csikia and his colleague Dr. Buzcko from the Kossuth University visited Iraq in October and November 1989, and a number of research activities were carried out. These activities included the efficiency calibration of HpGe and Nal (Tl) (5" x 5") detectors according to different heights and sample positions using various photon energies, the calibration of NE-213 detector for different neutron energies, studies of shielding materials, the measurement of removal cross-sections for fusion and fission structural materials and the measurements of activation cross-sections at different neutron energies (13.4 - 14.7) MeV.

A series of general lectures were delivered by Prof. Osikia. Also a special series of lectures on applied nuclear physics for Ph.D. students from the College of Science, University of Baghdad, were given by him.

A discussion of the future programme was held and it was agreed upon to continue work in these research problems and to start projects concerning deuterium accumulation in metal targets, fission cross-section measurements for fissionable materials using the facilities available in the laboratories of both sides, such as the Iraqi neutron generator and the Hungarian intensive neutron generator and cyclotron accelerator.

A progamme of scientific visits for two scientists from each side during the year 1990 was also agreed upon.

THE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT PROJECT (NPPP)

1 - The year 1989 has been a very active year for the NPPP.

The IAEC and the various local governmental organizations continued the direct execution of the site selection programme aiming at selecting a final site (and two alternative ones) for the construction of the first NPPP in Iraq. The following parts of the programme have already been finalized:

A: Construction of a field camp for carrying out and supervising the various NPPP activities.

B: Construction and operation of a specialized water analysis laboratory.

C: A study on land and water use as well as population distribution for the four potential sites.

2 - In addition to the above-mentioned siting activities,the following investigations have been carried out:

A : A study related to the electrical power system and transmission lines in Iraq.

B : A study concerning the technical requirements and specifications for the electromechanical systems of the NPPP's conventional island.

C: A preliminary study for manpower requirements of the various construction stages of NPPP.

D: Studies related to all possible transport routes and their conditions for the transportation of NPPP's equipment and materials.

3 - As planned, the activities of the NPPP were subjected to continuous and systematic surveillance by the Quality Assurance Department of the project to achieve the quality needed for the work.

In addition, a workshop concerning quality assurance for siting was successfully organized in the field camp. It was held in collaboration with IAEA experts. About thirty participants from the IAEC and the National Organizations involved in the site selection attended the workshop.

4 - This workshop is just an example of the excellent and continuous cooperation between the IAEC and the IAEA for the execution of the work. Moreover, several successful IAEA expert missions were accomplished during the year when discussions, consultations and monitoring activities were carried out. In a letter to the NPPP Director, on 13^th March, 1989, the IAEA expert mission commended the IAEC for the work being executed on the site. The letter included the following statement: First of all I want to congratulate you on the good performance of the work you are doing. The project is a good example of how a country could mobilize all the national capabilities in a common effort. You are saving a considerable amount of money and at the same time you are getting experience of a great value for the future development of the country.

5 - The goals and responsibilties of the Safety Department have undergone revision and modification to accommodate the work and activity developments at the NPP project.

IAEC PARTICIPATION IN SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

Several scientific meetings, seminars and conferences were held or organized by IAEC during 1989. The following are the more salient events.

1. A five - day seminar on grounding techniques of low and medium voltage installations was held during July. The aim was to give participants deeper knowledge of the subject and to help in solving earthing problems encountered in some large research systems, such as Density Plasma Focus (DPF). It was attended by participants from IAEC as well as from other institutions concerned in Iraq.

2. Within the framework of the regional cooperation programme, IAEC jointly organized with IAEA a workshop on radiation protection and industrial applications of ionizing radiation for the period 20 till 31 May. Nine young scientists from Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt, U. A. E., Libya and Saudi Arabia as well as eight Iraqi personnel attended the workshop. The Director of the Division of Technical Assistance and Cooperation, IAEA, Mr. M. RIDWAN attended the workshop and made a statement on this occasion (appearing in this chapter).

3. The Staff Training and Development Institute (STADI) of the IAEC conducted another workshop on radiation protection for the period 16 till 28 September. The workshop was held for the Arab Atomic Energy Agency and was attended by eight participants from various Arab countries. IAEC staff conducted all the theoretical and practical syllabuses.

4. On the subject of plasma physics, an extended course was held during the period 29 July till 16 August in cooperation with Baghdad University and attended by 33 young scientists; while a three-day symposium on plasma and laser physics during December was attended by more than 20 participants.

5. A specialized six-day course on fire-fighting in nuclear facilities was held during June. The training was conducted by an internationally known specialist nominated by IAEA.

6. A seven-day course on nuclear radiation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy was specially held for Iraqi journalists and attended by ten of them during May. Another course concerning protection from ionizing radiation was also held in May for members of the Iraqi Civil Defence Administration.

7. IAEA was a co-organizer or main supporter of several scientific conferences held on Iraq national or Arab regional levels in Iraq during the year. These included:

7.1 The 9th annual meeting of the Iraqi Society of Physicsand Mathematics held in Arbil Province in Northern Iraq during the period 11 till 15 September. Forty IAEC members were among the 300 participants attended the conference.

7.11 The Arab medical conference was held in Baghdad during the period 21 till 23 February and attended by several IAEC specialists.

7.111 The 5th scientific conference of the Iraqi Scientific Research Council was held during the period 7 till 11 October and attended by a large number of IAEC specialists.

7.1V The scientific conference of the Iraqi Biological Research Centre was held during the period 6 till 9 November and attended by a number of IAEC scientists.

STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON RADIATION PROTECTION IN INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF IONIZING RADIATION BY MR. M. RIDWAN, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND COOPERATION, IAEA

"On behalf of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, I am pleased to welcome you to this Opening Session of the Regional Workshop on "Radiation Protection in the Industrial Application of Ionizing Radiation." (RER/9/007).

The objective of the IAEA is to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. A major instrument for promoting the peaceful use of atomic energy among its Member States is the Agency's technical assistance and co-operation programme.

The TC department has widely promoted the use of radioactive and ionizing sources all over the world. In oil industry, medicine and agriculture the application of nuclear devices or nuclear techniques is a common practice. But according to the Agency's status all Agency activities should be carried out by taking into consideration the protection of the persons and environment. Member States should seriously consider that activities with ionizing radiation should not be permitted if there are no adequate regulations on Radiation Protection and if there is no competent Regulatory and Inspecting Authority able to control the proper use of the ionizing sources.

In the past we have seen several accidents with sealed sources. These accidents are in the mind of everyone of us. I am not going to describe them, but one thing is clear: all of them were due to a negligent use of the sources, forgetting the established regulations of Radiation Protection. All countries should prepare themselves to avoid in the future the possibility that similar accidents could happen. To do so, it is necessary:

• To establish a competent authority to control the use of ionizing sources,

• To establish legislation and the corresponding regula-tions in such a way that both the users and the authority know the rules,

• To instruct the user on the proper use of the ionizing source, potential accidents and their consequences.

According to the information existing in the IAEA it is very well known that many countries have a competent authority, others, not many, have a proper legislations and regulations. Few of them have a proper system of instruction for the users of ionizing sources. RAPAT missions have provided the Agency with this information. Now the Agency feels the responsibility for improving the situation and Member States should share our efforts.

The development of a country should not be measured by the number of x-ray machines and radioactive sources for medical, industrial and scientific purposes, but it should be measured by the degree of competence in the use of these devices. We all should be aware that the application of ionizing sources could be of great benefit but their application represents a radiation hazard if not properly used and maintained. The application of ionizing radiation sources and the conduct of nuclear programmes thus require a proper radiation protection regime in the countries involved. Radiation protection not only makes atomic energy safer; it should always be an invariable component within its peaceful development. As a consequence, the Agency has for many years and by various means assisted Member States in improving their protection against ionizing radiation.

This workshop is the second out of four to be arranged in 1989 under the new IAEA project "Strengthening of Radiation Protection in the Arab Middle East." The main purpose of the workshop is to assist in strengthening the capability of national bodies to exercise authority in the field of radiation protection. Consequently, the majority of the participants should represent the competent authority on radiation protection or other official bodies with responsibilities in the field. Seven IAEA Member States in this region are invited to take part in this project.

If the protection against ionizing radiation should function at the national level, a legislation in the field is needed; and the legislation has to be implemented. This was the topic of the first workshop that organized in Qatar in March this year. In this workshop in Baghdad, industrial application of ionizing radiation will be in focus. The workshop will have a practical profile and will cover topics on how to license and inspect various sources of ionizing radiation and to formulate detailed requirements for their safe handling and use. The intention is to make you familiar with situations you will face while executing authority in the field of protection against ionizing radiation sources used for industrial purposes.

As you are aware, this workshop is organized in cooperation with the Government of Iraq acting through its Atomic Energy Commission. I want to express the Agency's gratitude for having this workshop arranged in Iraq, which is a direct support to the IAEA project to strengthen radiation protection in this region.

I want to thank Mr.Al-Hijaj and his team from the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission for providing course and training facilities, for the accommodation of the participants and for all practical arrangements needed to organize such a workshop. The Agency also wants to thank the two experts, Messrs Finn Ugletveit from Norway and Hugo Simensen from Denmark for their willingness to participate as lecturers at the workshop.

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF UNIVERSITIES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Iraqi universities and technical institutions have made noteworthy contributions in preparing scientists, engineers and technicians in nuclear specialization. They have also performed some valuable research projects.

The contributions include M. Sc. courses in reactor, nuclear, and plasma physics at the Physics Department in the College of Science, University of Baghdad. The course concentrates on advanced topics in nuclear physics, reactor dynamics and control, nuclear electronics and computational techniques using computers. Research work is also included in this programme. As for the Chemistry Department in the same college, it has recently established a radiochemical laboratory fully equipped with all the necessary facilities. This has enabled the department to enroll chemists or chemical engineers for graduate studies in radiochemistry leading to an M. Sc. degree.

The College of Education offers an M. Sc. course in nuclear and plasma-oriented physics. The first year programme focuses on advanced topics in nuclear, atomic, plasma, statistical, and mathematical physics; also on numerical analysis, elementary particles, nuclear electronics and computer programming . The second year programme is solely devoted to research. After graduation the students are expected to teach these subjects at high school and college levels.

The College of Engineering of the University of Baghdad has been offering a special course in nuclear engineering for the last five years. The course enrols third-year graduates from mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering departments for a two-year programme, and leads to a B. Sc. degree. Subjects covered during this period include nuclear physics, nuclear reactor physics, reactor theory, mathematical methods, numerical analysis, reactor dynamics and control, as well as computer-aided projects in reactor engineering. In addition to the theoretical subjects, there are also practical summer training programmes in various related departments of the I. A. E. C. to enhance the theoretical knowledge assimilated in the course.

The Faculty of Applied science at the University of Technology offers an M. Sc. course in applied physics. The main topics are nuclear, atomic and molecular physics: radiation and radioisotopes and their applications as well as nuclear electronics.

The Faculties of Science at Mosul, Basra and Salah al Din Universities offer opportunities for graduate students in the fields of life sciences and nuclear sciences to pursue graduate studies in nuclear and health physics, radiation biology, medical physics, applications of radioisotopes in soil and agriculture or environmental radioactivity. These studies lead to the degrees of M. Sc. and Ph. D.

Finally we note the basic diploma course run by the Institute of Medical Technology. It aims at preparing health physics technicians who study in their two year programme, nuclear radiation detection and measurement, dosimetry, health physics, nuclear electronics, nuclear reactor physics, radiation biology, mathematics and environmental radioactivity. In addition to the above subjects, there are also practical summer training programmes in various related departments at the I. A. E. C. to complement the theoretical knowledge assimilated in the course.

STATEMENT BY THE IRAQI MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ'S RATIFICATION OF THE TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (NPT)

Iraq is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of its ratification of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) - of which Iraq was among the first signatories, thus expressing its profound belief in the Treaty's objectives and its pnnciples in the field of international relations through sincere and serious participation in the efforts of the international community lo establish a new world free from means of destruction and annihilation and to strengthen the foundations of peace and security for mankind

As a developing country, Iraq realized early, that atomic energy can play a significant role in the scientific and developmental programmes of various social and economic sectors, serving the interests of all States and in particular those of the developing countries In 1987, in his message to the United Nations Conference for the Promotion of International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy President Saddam Hussein emphasized the right of all States "to acquire and use nuclear technology for such purposes according to their priorities, interests and needs under appropriate, agreed international safeguards to prevent all kinds of nuclear proliferation, without any discrimination" and urged the conference participants "to create a positive atmosphere for the promotion and development of international cooperation, eschewing attempts to hinder the transfer of peaceful nuclear technology and to apply pressure on developing countries to prevent them from proceeding with their peaceful nuclear programmes."

In celebrating this anniversary, Iraq recalls that on 7 June 1981 its nuclear research center was subjected to heinous armed aggression carried out by Israeli fighter aircrat. This aggression constituted a dangerous precedent and was considered by the Security Council, in resolution 487 (1981), to be ''a serious threat to the entire IAEA safeguards regime which is the foundation of the non-proliferation Treaty." Moreover, the Agency, in many resolutions described this aggression as an attack on the Agency itself and its safeguards system.

NPT in letter and spirit reflects the belief of the States party to it that the destruction caused by nuclear war must be avoided and that nuclear proliferation would lead to a serious increase in the danger of nuclear war and weaken the security of all States, thus the question of the proliferation of nuclear weapons should be taken seriously by all States. The introduction of nuclear weapons into the Middle East by Israel is not only a severe blow to the international non-proliferation efforts being made since the inception of NPT - it also reflects an irresponsible policy harmful to the continuing efforts to protect the region from the dangers of the arms race in all its forms and to make it a nuclear-free zone. This policy is exposing the region to serious developments whose consequences for international peace and security are unknown.

The collaboration between Israel and the racist regime of South Africa confirms Israel's constant endeavour to frustrate the non-proliferation efforts and aspirations of the international community and is contributing seriously to the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation to other regions of the world, thereby increasing tension and instability.

Now, over twenty years after NPT was opened for signature, Iraq more than ever is convinced of the need for international pressure, exerted especially by the depository States, on Israel in order to force it forthwith to discard its nuclear weapons, renounce the possession of such weapons, subiect all its nuclear activities to full-scope safeguards, help in making the Middle East a nuclear-free zone and abide by all relevant resolutions adopted by the international community - especially Security Council resolution 487 (1981). These are matters to which the Fourth NPT Review Conference, to be held this year, should give senous consideration, with a view to adopting measures that ensure the implementation of the Treaty.

Iraq, which welcomes the detente in international relations and the ongoing serious negotiations among States on the control of all types of weapons, believes that the most effective guarantee against the possible use of nuclear weapons and the danger of nuclear war is nuclear disarmament and the total elimination of nuclear weapons.