Chernobyl: Concern over ‘potentially hazardous risks’ at nuclear facilities

THE Hellenic Atomic Energy Committee (GAEC) participated in yesterday’s special meeting of the Group of European Nuclear Safety Regulators (ENSREG) on the issue of the safety of Ukrainian nuclear facilities.

The meeting highlighted “the blatant violation of international law by Of the Russian Federationwhich undermines European and global security and stability “, according to a relevant announcement.

Regarding the safety of nuclear facilities, in particular Chernobyl ENSREG urges the Russian Federation to immediately cease illegal activities in order to restore control of the Ukrainian regulatory authority SNRIU to all nuclear facilities and materials within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, in accordance with internationally recognized and safety instructions “, according to the same announcement.

Regarding the increased levels of radioactivity in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, announced by the SNRIU, it is noted that while these are “likely to be attributed to military activities in the area and so far there is no information on damage to facilities at the Chernobyl site, ENSREG is still very concerned about the risks of potentially damaging facilities the exclusion zone or in the new safety housing covering the installation ‘.

Finally, it is stressed “the urgent need to return the management of the facility to the licensed organization and the SNRIU in order to continue its safe operation. “ENSREG says it will continue to monitor the issue closely, given its nuclear safety concerns and potential impacts on populations throughout the region.”