Belarusian nuclear power plant ready to welcome European experts at any time

MINSK, 17 December (BelTA) – The construction site of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is ready to welcome European experts at any time, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Energy Ministry's Telegram channel.

The message reads: “In response to yesterday's statement by the Lithuanian minister of foreign affairs we would like to remark that before making bold statements about ‘Belarus' irresponsible attitude to nuclear safety' one should obtain serious facts. But we cannot hear them because there are none. It is unlikely the international community seriously accepts such attempts to smear our country's reputation. Everyone knows that you need facts to prove something.”

The Energy Ministry stressed that Belarus has cooperated and intends to further cooperate with the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG). “Constructive working relations have been established between representatives of this respected organization and Belarusian specialists. A gradual dialogue proceeds within the framework of a peer review of the national action plan on results of the stress tests of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, which Belarus voluntarily organized in accordance with the European Union's procedure. The nuclear power plant had taken thorough preparations for the visit of the European specialists. The experts decided not to come. It is their right. Be that as it may, the Belarusian nuclear power plant is ready to welcome them at any other time,” the source assured.

“In this situation the eagerness of Lithuanian officials to put the blame on the Belarusian side and to demonstrate ‘Belarus' irresponsible attitude to nuclear safety' to Europe looks like clamor around a routine situation. Our country has dealt with the tragedy of the Chernobyl catastrophe and recognizes the high level of responsibility that underlies the great Belarusian nuclear power plant project. Safety has always been and remains an unconditional priority at all stages of construction of the nuclear power plant,” the Energy Ministry concluded.