Opinions & Interviews

Mikhail Mikhadyuk: Belarus nuclear station construction fully compliant with international obligations

Belarusian Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk

MINSK, 18 September (BelTA) – Belarus implements the project to build the nuclear power plant in full compliance with the international obligations the country has undertaken. The statement was made by Belarusian Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk at the 56th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna on 18 September, representatives of the Embassy of Belarus in Austria told BelTA.

The head of the Belarusian delegation made his report at the plenary session. It touched upon the main aspects of Belarus-IAEA cooperation. In particular, Mikhail Mikhadyuk informed participants of the conference about the work done at the national level to implement the project. Fruitful cooperation with the IAEA in the entire range of matters relating to the development of nuclear power engineering was mentioned. It was stressed that the work is consistent, transparent, and in full compliance with the international obligations that have been undertaken. It employs the expert potential of the IAEA and the countries with extensive experience in nuclear power engineering. Maintaining a high level of nuclear safety remains the key priority.

As an example of successful cooperation Mikhail Mikhadyuk pointed out the IAEA complex mission on nuclear energy infrastructure that visited Belarus in June 2012. Results of the mission will be an important guideline for Belarus in building the nuclear station.

Speaking about technical cooperation with the IAEA, Mikhail Mikhadyuk underlined that Belarus’ key priorities are the development of the national nuclear energy infrastructure, restoration of Chernobyl-affected territories, and healthcare problems.

Mikhail Mikhadyuk also informed participants of the conference about Belarus’ view on IAEA safeguards. He remarked that the Belarusian government is a consistent adherent of enhancing and universalizing the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and unfailingly fulfills its obligations specified by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Safeguards Agreement.

At the session the Belarusian delegation met with IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano. The sides discussed prospects of expanding Belarus-IAEA cooperation progressively as Belarus advances in its nuclear energy program. The Belarusian side confirmed the readiness to continue working in a transparent and predictable mode taking into account views of the neighboring nations.

On 18 September the Belarusian delegation also met with Alexander Bychkov, Deputy Director General, Head of the Nuclear Power Engineering Department of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Matters relating to the organization of the visit of Alexander Bychkov to Belarus were discussed. The visit is scheduled to take place on 4-7 October 2012.

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