News

The Board of Governors Meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is taking place in Vienna this week. During it, Lithuania read its national statement. The members of the Board og Governors were reminded once again that countries developing a nuclear energy program must adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability throughout the whole cycle of life of a nuclear power plant.

In its statement, Lithuania deeply regretted that its neighbouring country Belarus demonstrates a lack of will to fully and timely implement all the important safety recommendations provided by the EU “stress tests” experts’ team. Lithuania underlined, that instead of ensuring nuclear safety, Belarusian authorities only focus on the project implementation schedule. In addition, Lithuania expressed its grave concern that up to now the pre-OSART mission report has not been made public by Belarus, just its summary.

Lithuania underlined that countries developing nuclear power programme are obliged to follow the principles of transparency and responsibility for the whole life cycle of a nuclear power plant – from a proper selection of the site for nuclear installation, till its decommissioning and final management of spent fuel and all the radioactive waste. Ensuring maximum safety and confidence building among the states is crucial for nuclear power development. Lithuania encouraged all IAEA countries implementing nuclear power projects to use the instruments provided by the IAEA and relevant international conventions from the very beginning of the project.

Lithuania intends to actively participate in the 64th annual IAEA General Conference next week. The national statement will be delivered by the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania Mr Žygimantas Vaičiūnas.