Thursday, 28 July 2005
Today RA Prime Minister A. Margaryan has received Mr. Mohammad Al-Baradei, Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Prioritizing the existing strong ties of cooperation between Armenia and the IAEA, as well as extending his appreciation of the disinterested help provided on the part of the Agency, the Prime Minister stressed that the Medzamor NPP held an exclusive and significant place in Armenia's energy security system and, therefore, safety enhancements at the NPP constituted a priority to Armenia. Mr. A. Margaryan noted that Armenia was appreciative of IAEA's assistance in this area as well. The head of the Armenian government emphasized that Armenia was strictly abiding by its commitment to non-proliferation with consistent implementation of a policy of peaceful use of nuclear energy. He advised that Armenia had acceded to all fundamental instruments signed in the framework of the Agency. In particular, the Protocol-Addendum to the Nuclear Safety Convention was ratified in 2004, and the Armenian authorities were firmly determined to comply with the commitments assumed thereunder.
The Prime Minister has touched upon the performed and planned safety upgrades of the Power Plant by mentioning that Armenia saw the construction of new nuclear units as a way to furthering and strengthening our country's independence and energy security. Mr. Al-Baradei said in this respect that the IAEA might assist Armenia with the implementation of a feasibility study for the new NPP. He said that much had to be done yet notwithstanding the serious progress noticed during this visit. He prioritized the design of a complex program, which would specify the exact timings and funds needed for the measures listed. This would largely facilitate the task of the donors. The Director of the IAEA spoke in positive terms of the on-going collaboration in the fields of nuclear medecine and radio-therapy.
The RA Prime Minister has also referred to the efforts made towards the identification of alternative energy sources as a pre-requisite for Armenia's overall energy security, including the development of re-cycled energy. In conclusion, he expressed the hope that this visit of Mr. Al-Baradei would promote the cooperation between Armenia and the IAEA.
