Belarus to follow all IAEA nuclear security recommendations

Belarus will follow all nuclear security recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), First Vice Premier of Belarus Vladimir Semashko said at the meeting with a high-level delegation led by IAEA Deputy Director General Denis Flory, BelTA has learned.

Belarus still has a long way to go until commissioning its nuclear power plant. “It is of utmost importance to ensure nuclear security. In this respect I reiterate that we will follow all IAEA recommendations based on the international experience,” the First Vice Premier stressed.

Vladimir Semashko reconfirmed the agreement to prepare and coordinate the schedule for IAEA assessment missions. The schedule will soon be submitted to the IAEA Secretariat. The First Vice Premier noted that Belarus pays great attention to such assessment missions. It gives specialists an opportunity to understand whether their actions are consistent with the international practices. The First Vice Premier also expressed gratitude for the assistance the agency provided in training personnel for the future nuclear power plant and scientific support of the project.

In his words, the country has developed a system of regular control over the implementation of the NPP project. Great attention is paid to nuclear security. Besides, two state programs have been developed to provide scientific support, construction and the introduction of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant and train personnel.

For his part, IAEA Deputy Director General Denis Flory thanked the Belarusian side for strong commitment to the nuclear security principles. He also stressed that IAEA provides support to states that begin their nuclear programs, including Belarus.

The high-level delegation that has included apart from IAEA experts representatives of the Rostekhnadzor, the European Commission, the Regulatory Cooperation Forum is expected to visit the construction site of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant during the visit to Belarus.