IAEA TO ASSIST ARMENIA IN BUILDING NEW NPP

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.