Iraq Ratifies Additional Protocol

Photo Credit: IAEA

Earlier this week, Iraqi officials met with IAEA General Director Amano to notify the IAEA that they've ratified the additional protocol (AP). This is a pretty big step, considering Iraq's history with nuclear technology. Signing on to the AP particularly shows Iraq's willingness for transparency, because the AP gives IAEA inspectors greater access to facilities and to information. It even makes it easier for IAEA inspectors to actually enter the country, with a mechanism for year-long visas. The ratification by Iraq brings the total number of countries under AP to 119, a number that shows significant growth but leaves room for more improvement in the future.