Condemnation of the continued Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the threats posed to nuclear safety and security - at the center of IAEA Border of Governors meeting
On 16-18 November, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting took place in Vienna, Austria, where nuclear safety, security, safeguards and other related issues were discussed.
Due to the endless terror of the Russian Federation in Ukraine and the threat to the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, the question on the situation in Ukraine due to Russia’s aggression was included to the Board’s agenda for the fourth consecutive time since the start of Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine. The IAEA Director General R. Grossi submitted the third Report on the situation at the Ukrainian nuclear facilities. This report also highlighted the deteriorating safety and security situation at the Zaporizhia NPP.
During the Board of Governors meeting, Lithuania delivered three national statements: on Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) (on JCPOA implementation), on NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran and on the Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine.
In its national statement on the situation in Ukraine, Lithuania once again condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's military aggression in Ukraine and its continued terror in nuclear facilities, constant spread of disinformation, propaganda and lies. “This is no one else but Russia that must be held accountable for the risks posed to the whole Europe and beyond due to the worsening situation of nuclear safety and security in Zaporizhzhia NPP. We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s constant blackmailing and propaganda trying to justify its illegal presence at the Zaporizhzhia site. We will never recognize the seizure of the Zaporizhzhia NPP from its rightful owner, Ukraine, which must regain full control over it as fast as possible,“ the Lithuania's statement said.
The statement also noted that Russia, by launching an unprovoked war in Ukraine and including its attacks against Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, violated international norms and completely ruined its reputation as a reliable partner in the development of nuclear energy and technology. Lithuania called on the parties to break any political or economic ties with the Russian authorities and their ally in this war, the Rosatom company.
Canada and Finland, Members of the IAEA Board of Governors, initiated a separate Resolution "On the situation of safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine", which was supported by 24 Board members, only 2 - Russia and China - voted against, 7 members abstained and 2 were absent.
