Opinions & Interviews
Belarusian diplomat: Impossible to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy without nuclear safety
Image credit: austria.mfa.gov.by
MINSK, 16 September (BelTA) – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should stay the leading international platform for cooperation between states in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy and nuclear safety. Head of the Belarusian delegation, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Belarus to International Organizations in Vienna Andrei Dapkiunas made the statement at the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference on 16 September, BelTA has learned.
The Belarusian diplomat stressed that the development of peaceful atom is impossible without ensuring nuclear safety. “The past year has shown once again how vulnerable nuclear infrastructure can be during armed conflicts. We have witnessed strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Events in the Middle East cause concern. Serious risks to nuclear safety remain in connection with the conflict in Ukraine,” Andrei Dapkiunas noted.
“Belarus proceeds from a principled position: nuclear facilities must not be subjected to military attacks,” the Belarusian diplomat continued. “Any actions that could jeopardize the safety of nuclear facilities, personnel, and the public are unacceptable.”
The permanent representative also pointed out: “In these conditions the professional and independent role of the International Atomic Energy Agency is particularly important. The agency must be able to objectively and impartially perform the functions its mandate stipulates. The IAEA’s authority depends on the trust of member states in its professionalism and non-politicized nature of work.”
“Belarus advocates preserving precisely this approach. The IAEA should stay the leading international platform for cooperation between states in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy and nuclear safety,” Andrei Dapkiunas stressed.
print version
make home page
add to bookmarks
