‘No clear answers’ at Lithuania-Belarus consultations over Astravyets nuclear plant

Vitalijus Auglys, Environment Ministry’s Pollution Prevention Department head, says that the two-day consultations with Belarusian officials and experts may not provide Lithuanians with all the answers about the construction of the plant just 50km from Vilnius, about its environmental impact and safety.

“They [Belarusians] are trying to convince us that they are building the plant safely. They say everything will be OK. We can see their attitude to this issue. We would like that their assessments paid more attention to safety concerns and potential risks,” Auglys says.

“Another problem is that construction works go ahead. What will they do if the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and international missions say that they need to change something. The general situation is such that some issues cannot be settled conclusively,” he adds.

The two-day meetings are held at Lithuania’s Environment Ministry.

Environment Minister Kęstutis Trečiokas says there can be no concessions about safety of Astravyets Nuclear Power Plant.

Despite Lithuania’s vocal protests, Belarus is going ahead with the construction that will have the nuclear facility located near the Lithuanian border and just some 50km from the capital Vilnius.