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Mr. President, Let me thank the Director General of the IAEA for his presentation of the Agency’s annual report and an update of its activities in 2016. Lithuania has co-sponsored the Resolution on the Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency which reaffirms the indispensable role of the Agency with regard to non-proliferation, use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes as well as nuclear verification, safety and security. Lithuania aligned itself with the statement delivered by the European Union yesterday.

Mr. President,

Nuclear energy is a viable solution in the face of challenges by the international community arising from climate change and the need to ensure energy security. Yet, nuclear energy has a future only if developed in the most responsible way and in conformity with the spirit and letter of the international safety standards and requirements.

Lithuania highly values the role of the IAEA in setting high nuclear safety standards through constant improvement of regulation, assistance in implementation and fostering the concept of safety culture. Implementation of stress tests, IAEA safety standards, adherence to the Safety Convention, cooperation with specialized IAEA missions, including SEED review missions, for the whole nuclear cycle, should be integral parts of each and every nuclear power programme.

Keeping in mind the broader context of trans-boundary implications and reacting to the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Belarus, we express our concern that new nuclear energy sites are being constructed at the borders of my country without proper implementation of international conventions, nuclear safety standards and genuine dialogue with neighbours.  The lack of transparency and essential information, especially on site selection, seismic evaluation and emergency preparedness plans, is deeply alarming.

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 and in full compliance with the rules and requirements of the IAEA, the UN Espoo Convention and other international and regional bodies in order to guarantee safe environment and safe use of nuclear energy.

Thank you.