BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

16/01/2008

Belarusian President Calls For Speeding Up Work On Planned Nuclear Plant

The Security Council of Belarus on January 15 made "an ultimate political decision regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant" in the country, Belarusian media reported, quoting the presidential press office. Speaking at a meeting of the council, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka called on the government to speed up preparations for the project. "We need to switch from speculation to practical work and ensure that the construction of the plant begins this year," Lukashenka said. "The public understands that there is no alternative to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus today." Finance Minister Mikalay Korbut estimated that the construction of the plant will cost $4 billion, adding that the project will be financed with public funds and foreign loans. The Belarusian authorities are considering two possible sites for the plant in Mahilyou Oblast. The plant is expected to start operating in 2018, and to provide 30 percent of all electricity generated in Belarus by 2020. AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2008/01/3-cee/cee-160108.asp