Japanese diplomat Yukiya Amano officially took over as the head of the United Nations' atomic watchdog here Tuesday, describing the current situation as "stormy" for the agency.
Japanese diplomat Yukiya Amano officially took over as the head of the United Nations' atomic watchdog here Tuesday, describing the current situation as "stormy" for the agency.

"This is the first day as director-general of the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] for me," the 62-year-old told reporters as he arrived for his first staff meeting in the Austrian capital.

"As you can see, it is raining," Amano said. "But the situation surrounding the agency is stormy now. We have a lot of difficult issues and challenges, but I would like to do my best."

Last week, the watchdog's 35-member board passed a stern resolution against Iran over its controversial nuclear program, which the IAEA has been investigating for the past seven years.

Iran complained that the move was "an act of bullying" and said it would reduce cooperation with the agency to a minimum.

"I would like to address the global issues. That includes nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, enhancing nuclear security, addressing energy needs, providing good health care and water management among others," Amano said.

"I try to be impartial, reliable and professional as director-general. I would like to get your support."

Amano, who served as Japan 's ambassador to the IAEA from August 2005 until his selection as director-general in July 2009, takes over from Egyptian diplomat Mohamed ElBaradei, who stepped down Monday after 12 years in office.

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