Armenia's Stance on Armed Attacks Against Peaceful Nuclear Facilities

The Permanent Representative of Armenia to international organizations in Vienna, Andranik Hovhannisyan, addressed the 69th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This was reported by the Armenian Embassy in Austria.

Ambassador Hovhannisyan emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation with the IAEA in all areas, highlighting the Agency's exceptional experience and authority in nuclear safety evaluation. In this context, he noted the continued visits of IAEA expert and advisory missions to Armenia.

The head of the Armenian delegation presented the ongoing work and future plans in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy. The strategic significance of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) for ensuring Armenia's energy security and economic growth was underscored, reaffirming the Armenian government's commitment to ensuring the safe and secure operation of the ANPP in accordance with the obligations undertaken under international conventions and the standards established by the IAEA.

Discussion also included the extension of the operational period of the second energy block of the ANPP and the future construction of new nuclear energy blocks. It was noted with satisfaction that throughout the operation of the ANPP, there has been no incident related to nuclear or radiation safety.

Meanwhile, the IAEA continues to present conclusions regarding the comprehensive assurance of guarantees for Armenia. The Permanent Representative also addressed the effective cooperation between Armenia and the IAEA in other areas and acknowledged the continuous support provided to the National Oncology Center for the development of capacities and technical support in the fight against cancer.

Armenia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), emphasizing the inalienable right of all NPT member states to develop, research, produce, and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in accordance with treaty obligations.

Ambassador Hovhannisyan reiterated Armenia's principled position regarding the inadmissibility of armed attacks or threats of attacks against peaceful nuclear facilities, in accordance with the relevant resolutions and decisions of the IAEA General Conferences, and called on all IAEA member states to remain vigilant about potential disastrous consequences.