Morocco has strongly condemned and denounced the heinous attacks carried out against the UAE through three drones, one of which targeted a power generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.
The condemnation was expressed by Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the international organizations in Vienna, Azzeddine Farhane, during an extraordinary session of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), convened on Friday at the request of the Arab members of the Board (Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt) following the attack, which compromised nuclear safety in the United Arab Emirates.
During the session, attended by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Farhane reaffirmed Morocco’s full solidarity with the brotherly United Arab Emirates and its support for its legitimate right to defend its security, sovereignty, and the protection of its citizens and residents.
In this regard, the diplomat recalled the firm positions expressed by King Mohammed VI concerning the attacks suffered by the UAE since the beginning of the war.
He also noted that Morocco welcomed the prompt and transparent information provided by the competent authorities of the Gulf country to the IAEA regarding the consequences of the attack, as well as the effective measures taken to mitigate its effects, including maintaining radiation levels around the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant within normal limits.
The diplomat further expressed Morocco’s appreciation for the ongoing efforts undertaken by the UAE authorities to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful operation of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, which is subject to IAEA safeguards and operated in accordance with the highest international standards.
He also welcomed the continued coordination between the Agency and the competent Emirati authorities.
Farhane stressed that Morocco reiterates that the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant was designed, built and is operated in accordance with the strictest international standards, under the supervision of the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and in compliance with the safety standards established by the IAEA.
He further underscored that Morocco supports the ongoing efforts of the IAEA and its Director General in monitoring and assessing developments related to nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards in Member States.
The UN Security Council had condemned in the strongest terms the drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, saying the attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international law with grave risks for civilian lives, infrastructure and the environment.
The Council members had expressed deep concern over this dangerous escalation and demanded the immediate and permanent cessation of all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in the UAE, including attacks and threats of attack against peaceful nuclear facilities
UN Secretary-General António Guterres had said he was deeply alarmed by drone strikes that set fire to an electrical generator within the perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. “Attacks to nuclear installations are totally unacceptable, a violation of international law and must be condemned”, said Mr. Guterres.
For his part, IAEA Chief Rafael Mariano Grossi had said a nuclear disaster with potentially harrowing human and environmental impacts was narrowly averted in the UAE as Iranian drones struck a functioning nuclear power plant.
