MINSK, 17 August (BelTA) – The construction of a nuclear power plant will enable Belarus to become an energy-independent country, State Secretary of the Union State Grigory Rapota said in an interview to the Belarus One TV channel, BelTA has learned.
“A nuclear power plant makes it (Belarus – BelTA's note) not only an energy-independent but also an energy-excessive country, speaking in terms of electricity. Later, many manufacturing facilities can be switched to electricity,” Grigory Rapota said.
In his words, the project participants have been doing their best to build the plant at a high professional level under the control of international organizations. Speaking about the recent accident, the State Secretary noted that mistakes can happen everywhere. The main thing is to correct them in time, he added. “I spoke with Rosatom representatives and saw their responsible attitude to such things,” said Grigory Rapota, adding that technical progress cannot be stopped and the nuclear power industry will continue developing. Its safety is the number one priority.
As for the prospects of introducing the Union State visa, the State Secretary noted: “Instructions have been given to compile a roadmap to address the issue. The document is under consideration at the level of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Belarus.” In his words, such a visa “would simplify the communication with the world” and, at the same time, does not mean the cancellation of national visas for Belarus and Russia.
