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Belarus attends IAEA General Conference, highlights nuclear and radiation safety matters

MINSK, 18 September (BelTA) - The head of the Belarusian delegation at the 68th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, Permanent Representative of Belarus to the International Organizations in Vienna Andrei Dapkiunas spoke at the general discussion of the conference on 18 September, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Permanent Mission in Vienna.

In his speech, Andrei Dapkiunas stressed the importance of maintaining the agency's role as the main international mechanism to assist countries in gaining access to the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy, ensuring nuclear security. The Belarusian diplomat stressed that in performing these functions, the IAEA should be strictly guided by its mandate.

The head of the Belarusian delegation spoke about Belarus's deep concern over reports of possible attacks and provocations against a number of nuclear facilities, Zaporozhzhye and Kursk NPPs. Condemning the attacks on the energy infrastructure and NPPs, the Belarusian diplomat called on the agency's leadership to immediately and most resolutely respond to situations that threaten nuclear safety at NPPs.

Andrei Dapkiunas reported on the progress in the national nuclear energy program, highlighting the priority of nuclear and radiation safety issues for Belarus. The diplomat noted that Belarus was fully open to constructive expert dialogue with all stakeholders and exchange of experience.

The Permanent Representative also noted that the reports on IAEA assessment and advisory missions to Belarus were publicly available. All the missions had been very useful for the country. The results of their work - recommendations and proposals - formed the basis for national action plans.

The head of the Belarusian delegation welcomed the scientific forum of the general conference as part of the flagship initiative Atoms4Food, noting the importance of using nuclear technologies in agricultural production to ensure food security. In this context, attention was drawn to the negative impact of sanctions, including the ban on the transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers by Western countries, on global food security.

Andrei Dapkiunas urged to abandon the harmful practice of unlawful unilateral coercive measures.

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