EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
NEWS RELEASE
1 AMERICAN AVENUE
YEREVAN, ARMENIA
TELEPHONE (+374 10) 464700
FAX (+374 10) 464742
E-MAIL: [email protected]
April 10, 2007
U.S. Government Provides Funding for New Physical Security System for
Armenian Nuclear Power Plant
On April 10, 2007, the staff of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant dedicated
an improved and upgraded Physical Security System. This new system,
developed with $3.5 million in technical and financial support from the U.S.
Department of Energy, includes upgraded physical access infrastructure,
badges and video monitoring. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Robin Phillips
presented the remarks below at the dedication ceremony.
ANPP Dedication of the Physical Safety Upgrade Project
Remarks as prepared for Delivery
April 10, 2007
It is a pleasure to be here today to mark another milestone in the
long-standing cooperation between Armenia and the United States on improving
safety at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant.
We appreciate the Armenian government´s commitment to promoting safer
operations at the plant while at the same time working towards plant
decommissioning.
Since 1996, the USG has provided more than $35 million to upgrade the plant
and to ensure the safest possible operation until its closure.
We are here today to dedicate an upgraded physical security system at the
plant. New access and badge policies, improved security infrastructure and
video surveillance are all tools which we are proud to provide to help you
maintain high levels of security.
Strong nuclear security is particularly important given the current threat
environment and the risk that terrorists and others will try to use nuclear
material against innocents.
In addition to improved security, it is critical that the Armenian
government continue to build a culture of safety at the plant, by completing
IAEA identified safety upgrades, and reinvesting a sufficient portion of the
cash flow obtained from the energy sector into plant safety and maintenance.
As Armenia follows through on its commitment to a culture of safety and a
comprehensive decommissioning plan, we will continue to work with Armenia to
develop safer and more sustainable alternatives to the Armenian Nuclear
Power Plant including providing technical assistance to support plans for a
new nuclear power plant.
The U.S. government will not, however, be able to fund plant construction
directly and any proposal for U.S. assistance would have to compete for
scarce development assistance funds.
I thank you for our excellent and on-going cooperation on nuclear safety
issues and urge you to make the most of this new equipment to better protect
this plant and the Armenian people.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
