Year
1989
Abstract
A broad spectrum of views exists as to the role of timely detection, timeliness of reporting and other timeliness requirements in IAEA safeguards. Opinions vary not only as to how timeliness should be defined, but also as to how much timeliness is required or the relative importance to be assigned to efforts to improve timeliness versus efforts to improve detection sensitivity. Increased emphasis is now being placed by many Member States on the assurance of non-diversion rather than the deterrence of diversion by the risk of early detection, and in this context the role of timeliness has been a subject for continuing discussion. This paper reviews the current status of IAEA efforts to establish a basis for understanding the meaning of \"timely detection.\" It also records the views of the authors regarding the role of timely detection in IAEA safeguards.