Grossi to hold consultations in wake of Moscow claim Zaporozhye NPP to be operated by Russian agencies - IAEA
BERLIN/PARIS. Oct 6 (Interfax) - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi plans to conduct consultations in the wake of Russia's statements that the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) will be operated by relevant Russian agencies, the IAEA said in a statement.
"The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, said he will engage in consultations with the relevant authorities following reports today that Russia plans to supervise operations of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant," it said.
As reported earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to establish Federal State Unitary Enterprise Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant with the goal of ensuring the security of Zaporozhye NPP nuclear facilities. The presidential decree published on Tuesday says that Zaporozhye NPP Operating Organization will through its own efforts or with the involvement of other organizations perform activities to operate and remove from operation Zaporozhye NPP facilities.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday he is going to Kiev, where he will discuss the situation with the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant.
"On our way to Kiev for important meetings," Grossi said on Twitter, posting photos near a train.
"The need for a nuclear safety and security protection zone around Zaporozhye NPP is now more urgent than ever," he said.
The IAEA earlier said Grossi would visit Kiev this week and would later visit Moscow for further consultations on the creation of a security zone around the Zaporozhye NPP.
The Zaporozhye NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. It operates six VVER-1000 power units. The Russian army has been in control of the nuclear facility since February 28, 2022.
The plant is not generating electricity now, as its last operating reactor was shut down on September 11.
An IAEA mission visited the Zaporozhye NPP on September 1. Two IAEA specialists have been present at the plant since then.