MOSCOW (Sputnik) – International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on Monday that he will head an IAEA mission to the Kursk nuclear power plant on August 27 «given the serious situation.»
The IAEA intends to independently assess the recent developments at the Kursk NPP, as well as to give «an independent assessment of the safety and security of a nuclear facility,» Grossi said.
«Since new developments and increased levels of military activity in the vicinity of the KNPP, I have been closely following developments on the ground, especially with respect to the plant. It is important that when the Agency is called upon to fulfil its mandate to ensure that nuclear is used in a peaceful manner, we are present,» the statement read.
The IAEA chief reiterated that «the safety and security of nuclear facilities must, under no circumstances, be endangered,» adding that it is important to respect «the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety during an armed conflict and the five concrete principles – established to protect the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.»
«This is an evolving situation, and it is vital when I arrive at the plant tomorrow that I see first-hand the situation and discuss modalities for further activities as may be needed to evaluate the nuclear safety and security conditions of the KNPP,» Grossi said.
