Statement by the Head of the delegation, Permanent Representative of Belarus to the International Organizations in Vienna A.Dapkiunas at the session of the IAEA General Conference

On September 18, 2024 the Permanent Representative of Belarus to the International Organizations in Vienna, Andrei Dapkiunas, as Head of the Belarusian delegation at the 68th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), delivered the national statement during the general debate of the Conference.

In his statement, A.Dapkiunas emphasized the importance of preserving the Agency's role as the main international mechanism for assisting countries in gaining access to the benefits of peaceful atoms, as well as ensuring nuclear security. It was noted that, in performing these functions, the IAEA must strictly adhere to its mandate.

The Head of the Belarusian delegation expressed its deep concern at reports of possible attacks and provocations against a number of nuclear facilities, the Zaporozhskaya and Kursk NPPs. Condemning the attacks on energy infrastructure and NPPs, the Belarusian diplomat called on the Agency's leadership to immediately and decisively respond to situations that pose a threat to nuclear safety at NPPs. 

A.Dapkiunas informed about the progress in implementing the national nuclear energy program, focusing on the priority of nuclear and radiation safety issues for Belarus. The Belarusian diplomat noted that the country is fully open to constructive expert dialogue with all interested parties and exchange of experience.

The Permanent Representative also noted that the reports on IAEA review and advisory missions in Belarus are made publicly available. All missions conducted were very useful for the country. The results of their work – recommendations and proposals – form the basis of national action plans.

The Head of the Belarusian delegation welcomed the holding of the scientific forum of the General Conference on the flagship initiative "Atoms for Food", noting the importance of using nuclear technologies in agricultural production to ensure food security. In this context, attention was drawn to the negative impact of sanctions, including the ban on transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers by Western countries, on global food security. A.Dapkiunas called for abandoning the harmful practice of using illegal unilateral coercive measures.

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