"A new top inspector took charge Tuesday of the International Atomic Energy Agency as it faces one of the most turbulent periods in its 52-year history.

Yukiya Amano, 62, is a career diplomat and lawyer who served as Japan's representative to the agency until his selection as director general in July. He inherits crises with Iran and North Korea, as well as the weakening of the global security system meant to curtail the spread of nuclear weapons."

William J. Broad reports for the New York Times December 1, 2009. [2]

"AMSTERDAM — The newly elected chemical weapons chief says he will pursue the last seven holdouts — including Israel, Egypt and Syria — to get them to sign a disarmament treaty and submit weapons stockpiles for inspection."

The Associated Press had the story December 3, 2009. [3]