International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei called for a substantial budget increase Monday, even as two diplomats in the race to succeed him have struck a more cautious tone amid the current economic crisis, dpa reported.
ElBaradei warned member states Monday that "if we carry on with business as usual, the agency's effectiveness and the quality of the services we provide to you will continue to erode to a dangerous level."
In the UN nuclear watchdog's budget proposal for 2010, the operational budget was raised to 336 million euros (433 million dollars), 11 per cent above this year's level.
After years of financial zero growth, the Vienna-based organization had reached a "turning point," ElBaradei wrote in a letter to member states, which was obtained by Deutsche Presse- Agentur dpa together with the 2010-2011 budget proposal.
As around 50 states have said they wanted to start making nuclear power, the IAEA says it needs more money for assisting countries in building nuclear infrastructure, for national safety and security frameworks and for more nuclear inspectors.
The two other candidates, Yukiyiya Amano and Abdul Samad Minty, were more cautious.
Amano, who is Japan's ambassador at the United Nations in Vienna, said in a recent interview that "lots of member states are now experiencing unprecedented financial crises, and these governments will be under very strong financial constraints."
Minty, who represents South Africa on the IAEA governing board, said earlier this month that "it would not be realistic to expect very, very substantial amounts" to be pledged in addition to current funds for causes such as nuclear safety and security.
The new US administration has announced that it wanted to double the IAEA's budget in the coming four years, although details remain unclear.