IAEA finds BelNPP operations fully compliant with international standards

MINSK. Oct 2 (Interfax) - Operations at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (BelNPP) are fully compliant with international norms and standards, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi told reporters after visiting the plant on Tuesday.

The IAEA was involved in the construction of the plant from the very beginning and the agency and Belarus will continue their cooperation, as was agreed with the country's president and deputy prime minister, because this involves renewable, clean energy, Grossi said in a video posted by the Belarusian Energy Ministry.

It is very important that the situation at the plant complies with all international standards, and the nuclear energy situation in neighboring countries is also not cause for concern, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich said after the IAEA delegation's visit to the BelNPP that the visit "confirmed that all requirements and issues aimed at ensuring the facility's safety are also being upheld."

"The adherence to a high safety standard was also noted in assessment missions carried out by the agency. The project, build with our strategic partner, state corporation Rosatom, meets all the latest and highest safety standards," Karankevich said.

Belarus is "interested in further open and constructive dialog with the agency," he added.

Grossi met with President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk and visited the BelNPP on Tuesday. At the meeting with the president, Gross said he was pleased to hear a commitment to ensuring nuclear safety at the highest level, the level of the president. This says a great deal, foremost about the country's professionalism, he said.