PanArmenian News Network
July 29 2005

IAEA TO ASSIST ARMENIA IN BUILDING NEW NPP

28.07.2005 09:05

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan met with
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Mohamed ElBaradei, RA government’s press service reported. Noting the
importance of the Armenia-IAEA relations and thanking Mr. ElBaradei
for assistance, the Armenian Premier said that the ANPP plays
extremely important role in the energy sphere and is also a security
issue, that is why this is also a priority issue for Armenia.
Margaryan noted Armenia abides by the policy of non-spreading nuclear
weapons and uses nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes. He also
informed that Armenia has joined all the principal IAEA documents and
last year ratified an additional protocol to the convention on
nuclear security. He also stated that the RA government views the
construction of new energy blocks as a strategic task for preserving
and strengthening energy security and independence of the republic.
In this view Mr. Elbaradei said the IAEA is ready to render technical
and economic assistance to Armenia adding that he has fixed a serious
progress as regards the security of the ANPP. However he considers
that a great deal of work should still be done. He underscored the
elaboration of system program providing for the measures to be
undertaken in accord with the fixed terms and means. In his opinion
it will considerably ease the work with the donors. During the
meeting the parties discussed the issues referring to alternative
energy sources. According to Andranik Margaryan, visit of the IAEA
Director General will stimulate the Armenia-IAEA relations.