Ministry of Energy Hushes Up Problems At Belarusian NPP Construction

Belarusian officials refuse to give Lithuania information about the recent accident.

Yesterday Lithuanian officials stated: it is suspected that one more incident could occur during the construction of the Belarusian NPP. The Delfi.lt portal with reference to the BNS news agency announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs note with a request to explain or deny information about the incident. Belarus gave a comment, without waiting for a formal request, tut.by writes.

According to the State Security Department of Lithuania, a possible incident took place in Astravets last week. Minister of Environment of the country Kestutis Tryachekas added that the new accident was more serious, than the previous one. Here he was referring to the partial damage of the formwork support structures in one of the outbuildings, which took place in April.

– If this (the new accident) is confirmed, it will be a very disturbing event – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius said.

The Ministry of Energy of Belarus and the Belarusian NPP management deny everything.

– The construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is carried out under normal conditions. Within specified time there were no incidents at the construction. The quality control of construction at the Belarusian nuclear power plant site is carried out in accordance with established regulations, – the Ministry of Energy informed.

Lithuania has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the safety of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. Official Vilnius requires the presence of independent observers and compliance with international standards of construction.

– We do not get information on substantive issues, and we really cannot be sure that it (the plant) is safe. We want to have no doubt about this, and I believe that those, who control the plant, should be concerned with that for the process to go smoothly and properly, – head of Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius said.

Bilateral Lithuanian - Belarusian consultations are to be held at the Belarusian nuclear power plant in Astravets in June.