Argentine Rafael Grossi Named One of Time's Most Influential People, Eyes UN Leadership

La Nación, a leading newspaper in Argentina, celebrates the international recognition of Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people. This accolade highlights Grossi's significant diplomatic achievements and his growing stature on the global stage. The magazine specifically commends his 'efficacy' and extensive diplomatic experience, noting that even as global governance loses popularity, states continue to grant him access.

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Una forma de medir la eficacia de un diplomático es si, incluso cuando la gobernanza mundial pierde popularidad, los Estados siguen abriéndole las puertas.

The article details Grossi's crucial interventions in high-stakes international crises. Time points to his role in facilitating access for an inspection team to the Zaporizhzhia atomic plant after its takeover by Russian troops in Ukraine, where he helped maintain the cooling of the reactor core. Furthermore, his involvement in the conflict between Iran and Israel, following Iran's violation of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, is highlighted, a situation that reportedly led to a death threat against him and necessitated permanent security.

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Tras la toma de la planta atómica de Zaporiyia por las tropas rusas en Ucrania , ambas partes facilitaron el acceso a un equipo de inspección encabezado por Rafael Mariano Grossi para evaluar los daños y ayudar a mantener refrigerado el núcleo.

From an Argentine perspective, Grossi's prominence is a source of national pride. His candidacy for the UN Secretary-General position, succeeding António Guterres, is viewed with significant anticipation. Grossi himself has expressed a strong desire to enact 'profound changes' within the UN, signaling an ambitious agenda should he be elected. His confidence is palpable, as evidenced by his statement about Argentina potentially winning 'two World Cups' in 2026, a metaphor perhaps for his aspirations in both sports and global diplomacy. His ability to navigate complex negotiations with 'extremist leaders and global potentates,' as described by Time, underscores his unique diplomatic skill set, making him a formidable candidate for the UN's top job and a distinguished representative of Argentina's diplomatic prowess.

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Irán estaba a punto de mostrar a los inspectores del OIEA una nueva instalación en junio de 2025 cuando Israel atacó, un día después de que el consejo del organismo declarara que Teherán estaba violando el tratado de no proliferación nuclear.