Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko on radioactive waste: Belarus will not be contaminated by radiation

An archive photo

MINSK, 9 September (BelTA) – Belarusians can be rest assured that the territory of Belarus will not be contaminated by radiation, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he hosted members of the Council of Ministers for a meeting on 9 September, BelTA has learned.

“The construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant heralded the emergence of a new industry in our country. Sooner or later we will need to dispose of nuclear waste - spent fuel. This substance is extremely dangerous (but very valuable). Therefore, I set the task to create a reliable radioactive waste management system and the appropriate infrastructure in Belarus,” the president recalled.

The issue was discussed last year, too. Back then it was decided that the so-called national operator would take care of this. This agency would be in charge of the construction of radioactive waste management facilities and will fully manage the process. “Firstly, by doing this we will follow the established world standards, as you say. Secondly, this is about the safety and health of the Belarusian nation and our neighbors, as you put it. However, our neighbors do not really care about the health of our people. My main demand is to place no burden on the budget; I do not want any additional ministries or departments labeled as an operator,” the head of state said.

The president set the task to find the best way to deal with this waste, choose an operator and define its functions. “Belarusians should be rest assured that they will not be exposed to any radiation on the territory of the country. This is the main thing!” he stressed.

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