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“Two negotiation processes are in progress between Belarus and Lithuania. One of them is focused on problems relating to the construction of the nuclear power plant. Two rounds of negotiations have been held already. The third round is scheduled for Q1 2017,” said the Belarusian First Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Minister.

The official noted that Vilnius is the likeliest venue for the next round of talks. “Vilnius is under consideration. We meet on a rotation principle. In early 2017 we sent a letter to our Lithuanian colleagues to tell them we are ready to accept the date of their convenience in order to continue discussing the matters, which still enjoy increased attention,” she stressed.

The second negotiation process is dedicated to discussing cooperation between Belarus and Lithuania after the facility is commissioned. “We have already had two meetings. The third one was scheduled for January 2017. I don’t rule out the possibility that the two negotiation processes will be merged into one,” noted Iya Malkina.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant is a project to build a VVER-1200 type nuclear power plant 18km away from Ostrovets, Grodno Oblast. The BelNPP will have two power-generating units with the total output capacity of up to 2,400MW (2x1,200MW).