The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr. Hans Blix, has received a number of high honours from Member States in recognition of his leadership over the last sixteen years of the IAEA Secretariat and of his contribution to international cooperation throughout his career.

The distinctions conferred on Dr. Blix in recent days were:

• by the Government of Austria, the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash;
• by the Government of Hungary, the Middle Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic;
• by the Government of Japan, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure;
• by the Principality of Monaco, the rank of Officer of the Order of St. Charles.

Accepting these recognitions, Dr. Blix, who leaves his post at the end of this month, said it had been a privilege to serve the international community over the years both on behalf of his own country, Sweden, and at the helm of the IAEA. He also expressed his gratitude for the support he had received throughout his tenure from its Member States and the staff of the Secretariat.