The Metsamor nuclear power plant in Armenia

YEREVAN (Armenpress)—The International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors conducted nearly 200 inspections in Armenia during which non-compliance or deviation from the requirements of international treaties has not been recorded. The Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ANRA) accounted on the fulfillment of obligations by Armenia on the “Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.”

The full account by ANRA:

“In 1991, the Republic of Armenia joined the UN Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and then ratified the agreement between the Republic Armenia and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in connection with the NPT and the Protocol Additional to the Safeguards Agreement.

In accordance with the Law of Armenia on Safe Utilization of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes, Armenia established the state system on accounting for and control of nuclear materials. The Armenian Government adopted relevant legal acts to ensure fulfillment of its obligations undertaken under the international treaties.

The Republic of Armenia performs continuous accounting for and control of nuclear materials that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons.

In accordance with the NPT and the IAEA Safeguards Agreement, the state accounting for and control of nuclear materials is implemented at three levels.

The facility level, which accounts for and controls nuclear materials implemented by the facility personnel. The state level, which accounts for and controls nuclear materials implemented by the state authority and empowered by the legislation, i.e. the state committee under the Armenian Government on nuclear safety regulation. And the international level, which accounts for and controls nuclear materials implemented by the IAEA inspectors.

IAEA inspectors regularly conduct on-site inspections to verify the presence of the nuclear material accounted and reported, agreeing with the procedures established by the laws. The Republic of Armenia submits relevant reports and declarations to the IAEA.

Video cameras have also been installed by the IAEA inspectors to continuously control the movement of nuclear material.

Nodes, installations, safe boxes housing nuclear materials are sealed by special IAEA seals, where any damage is recorded directly through the satellite by the IAEA special unit.

The IAEA inspectors have conducted about 200 inspections, where no any non-compliance or deviation from the requirements of international treaties has been recorded.

The Republic of Armenia has participated in four Nuclear Security Summits held at the initiative of the US President. A number of measures have been implemented to strengthen the safety of nuclear installations, nuclear and radioactive materials, enhancing their physical protection level, as well as preventing the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.

The Republic of Armenia duly fulfills its obligations undertaken under the international treaties.”