Lithuanian Statement (Right of reply) at the UN General Assembly 69th session's discussion on the Agenda Item 86: Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Madam President, Lithuania exercises its right of reply with regard to the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Belarus. Countries developing new nuclear energy projects are expected to follow the principles of transparency and responsibility. Each country has the right to develop nuclear energy, provided that international obligations on nuclear safety are not forgotten and national decisions are taken in a broader context of possible trans-boundary implications.
That is why we express our concern, when nuclear energy objects in close neighbourhood are being constructed without proper implementation of international conventions, nuclear safety standards and dialogue with neighbours. The lack of transparency and essential information, especially on site selection, seismic evaluation and emergency preparedness plans, is disturbing.
Confidence building and ensuring maximum safety are crucial for nuclear energy development. Implementation of IAEA Safety Standards, adherence to the Safety Convention, cooperation with specialized IAEA missions for the whole nuclear fuel cycle, including site safety, should become inseparable from any nuclear power programme.
Therefore acknowledging that it is our common interest to ensure maximum safety level in Nuclear Power Plants, we call on all countries implementing nuclear energy projects to use the instruments provided by the IAEA and international conventions from the very beginning of the project in order to guarantee safe environment and safe use of nuclear energy.
I thank you.
