Radiation levels at normal at Chernobyl NPP - IAEA's Grossi

KYIV. April 26 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has said visiting the Chernobyl NPP that its radiation levels are at normal.

"The radiation level, I would say, is normal. There have been some moments when the levels have gone up because of the movement of the heavy equipment that Russian forces were bringing here and when they left," AFP quoted Grossi as saying on Tuesday.

Earlier, AFP said that Grossi called the radiation levels "abnormal" but later changed his words on its Twitter account.

It was reported earlier that Grossi visited Chernobyl NPP on the day of the 36th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. He headed the IAEA mission which delivered various radiation monitoring equipment, including radionuclide identification devices and gamma dose rate meters and conducted radiological and other assessments. The IAEA mission was also expected to repair remote safeguards monitoring systems installed at the site.

Earlier, the IAEA said that Ukraine made significant steps for the safe and secure operation of the Chernobyl NPP; however, the general situation around the NPP has remained difficult in, particular due to damaged bridges.

The IAEA also said that it drew up detailed plans for its safety and security assistance to Ukraine's nuclear sites.