MALAYSIA HANDS OVER IAEA BOG CHAIRMANSHIP TO PAKISTAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Monday handed over the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors (BOG) chairmanship
to Pakistan.

Outgoing IAEA chairman Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, who is also
concurrently the Malaysian Ambassador to Austria and Republic of Slovak, handed
over post to Dr Parvez Ansar.

This follows Malaysia's two-year completion of membership in the IAEA from
Sept 2008-Sept 2010.

During the handing-over ceremony, Shahrul described it as an honour for
Malaysia to chair the BOG as it reflected the recognition of international
communities over Malaysia's prominent role in the workings of the IAEA.

He recorded his appreciation to BOG members for their cooperation and
positive contribution, according to a statement from the foreign ministry here
Monday.

Shahrul also thanked the Malaysian Goverment, in particular Prime Minister
Najib Tun Razak and Foreign Minister Anifah Aman for the confidence in
nominating him as IAEA BOG chairman.

BOG members also expressed appreciation to Shahrul over his stewardship of
the board as it contributed to the smooth functioning of the agency under
Malaysia's chairmanship.

-- BERNAMA