Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 15, 2009
The General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues in Vienna. Addressing the participants, Rosatom State Corporation Director General Sergei Kiriyenko discussed projects to repatriate spent uranium fuel to Russia. He expressed his country's readiness to financially support global efforts to prevent nuclear weapons and nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorists.
"Much has already been accomplished to date in terms of creating an effective international 'safety net' to prevent nuclear weapons and nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorists. In this regard, it is important to note the importance of the IAEA's systematic efforts to strengthen nuclear security worldwide," noted Sergei Kiriyenko.
He reported that Russia plans to make a voluntary contribution of US$1.5 million to the IAEA's extra-budgetary Nuclear Security Fund in 2010 and US$1 million annually in 2011-2015.
The Russian delegate reported that, as of September 1, 2009, over 470 kilograms of fresh and 415 kilograms (calculated as uranium) of irradiated highly enriched fuel had already been delivered to Russia from countries including Romania, Latvia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Hungary, and Kazakhstan. According to him, corresponding agreements were signed with Romania, Serbia, and Poland in 2009.
"On the opening day of the 53rd session of the IAEA General Conference, spent fuel from a Polish research reactor containing over 500 kilograms of highly enriched uranium was delivered to a Russian port as part of this program," noted Sergei Kiriyenko. He announced that on September 15, a contract for the removal of spent fuel from the Serbian Vinča research reactor to Russia will be signed in Vienna under the auspices of the IAEA.
Sergei Kiriyenko drew the attention of IAEA General Conference participants to the need to enhance the safety of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant site and expedite the facility's decommissioning. In this regard, he announced that Russia had decided to provide $10 million for these purposes. He also stated that next year, Russia will contribute an additional $7 million to the Chernobyl Shelter Fund.
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