Moscow notes closeness of stances with IAEA at consultations on draft declaration establishing Zaporozhye NPP security zone

MOSCOW. Dec 22 (Interfax) - The closeness of stances of Russia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on a draft declaration establishing a physical safety and security zone around the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant has been affirmed at Russia-IAEA consultations, Russia's Rosatom state atomic energy corporation said.

"The meeting addressed approaches to the establishment of a nuclear safety and security zone around the Zaporozhye NPP. A significant closeness of the stances on the respective draft declaration was affirmed. The consultations will continue with understanding of the need to compose a mutually acceptable text as soon as possible," the corporation said on Telegram.

The sides had a detailed discussion of the Zaporozhye NPP situation from the standpoint of a higher sustainability of power and heat supply to the plant and Energodar. They also touched upon the activity of IAEA experts stationed at the plant. "Both sides described the conversation as substantive, productive and frank," the press service said.

Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev and IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi held the consultations in Moscow on Thursday.

The Russian delegation included Rostekhnadzor head Alexander Trembitsky, Radiation, Chemical and Biological Forces Commander Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian National Guards' Main Directorate for Site Protection Vladimir Mashevsky, and Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Department Igor Vishnevetsky.