VIENNA (Sputnik) – Yukiya Amano’s term as director general at the UN nuclear watchdog expires in December 2017, but the formal election process by IAEA member states begins this year.
"In order to offer much-needed continuity, I would be very happy to serve another term should Member States continue to place their confidence in me," Amano said.
The veteran Japanese diplomat admitted that several member states of the 167-nation organization had encouraged him to run for a third term. A formal communication on the nomination will be made in due time, he said.
In July, IAEA celebrated a major victory when Iran agreed to scale down its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions easing. The watchdog confirmed last week that Tehran complied with its key obligations.