ArmInfo. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan participated at the Nuclear Security Summit on April 1.
As the press-service of Armenian president informs, heads of more than 50 countries are participating in the summit. They have discussed activities aimed at implementation of joint steps developed during the previous summit for fighting against nuclear terrorism, which constitutes a great threat for international security.
"Armenia is also actively engaged in the fight against nuclear terrorism and initiatives related to the non-proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction through the implementation of all
necessary measures envisaged by the UN SC Resolution 1540 and adoption of thecorresponding National Action Plan. I would have disregarded tenuous accusations voiced in this Hall by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey, as they primarily demonstrate mistrust toward the IAEA, had they not demonstrated this peculiar line of conduct in every possible area: their own destructive actions are augmented by suspicion toward the actions of the international structures and international community, distorted interpretation of their decisions and approaches. This poses a real threat for the region, not the Armenian Nuclear Station", the president mentioned in his statement.
To note, yesterday Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, "During the meeting, the sides also discussed the threats posed by the outdated "Metsamor" nuclear power plant, which is located in Armenia", APA reports.
To recall, the Armenian NPP, the only NPP in the region, is located near the town of Metsamor (some 30km to the south of Yerevan). The first unit was put into exploitation in 1976, the second in 1980. At the beginning of 1989, the plant was closed down for political ideas, and then the second unit was reactivated because of acute energy crisis at the beginning of 1995. Two power units of Russian model pressurized water reactor- 440, with capacity of 815 megawatt in total were installed at the Armenian NPP. Experts say the Plant will be able to operate till 2016. At present measures are being taken to
prolong the lifespan of the Armenian NPP till 2027. Armenia and Russia signed in Moscow an agreement implying provision of 270 mln USD loan to Armenia for 15 years at 3% p.a. In addition, Russia will grant 30 mln USD to Armenia for the same purposes.